First numbers show 15.9% vote by 10 a.m., highest early turnout since 1981

Sue Surkes is The Times of Israel's environment reporter

Ultra-Orthodox Jews watch their Rabbi Israel Hager votes during Israel elections in Bnei Brak, Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022. Israel is holding its fifth election in less than four years. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
Ultra-Orthodox Jews watch their Rabbi Israel Hager votes during Israel elections in Bnei Brak, Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022. Israel is holding its fifth election in less than four years. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Central Elections Committee director general Orly Ades announces that as of 10 a.m., some 1,760,076 people or 15.9% of eligible voters have voted.

This compares to 14.8% of the public who had voted by this time in the last election.

The 10 a.m. turnout is the highest percentage seen since 1981.

President Isaac Herzog, who is touring CEC headquarters in Jerusalem with his wife Michal, praises the professionalism of the election workers and says they were impressed to see the “varied, sophisticated, monitored, and responsible” operation.

He says the high figures announced at 10 a.m. reflect the public’s trust in a system that is democratic, worthy, fair and respectful.

“Go out to vote and influence, because every vote has influence,” he says.

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