Dominant Israeli Parties Spurn Democracy
Israel never was democratic and isn't now. One-fifth of its citizens are enfranchised in name only. They have no say. Nor do most Jews.
On January 22, Israelis voted. Over 5.6 million were eligible. About 1,000 polling stations accommodated them. In most places, they stayed open until 10PM. Rural areas, small towns, and hospitals closed theirs at 8PM. Voting required presenting a valid ID, passport or driver's license. Anyone not sure where to go can check. Israel's Central Elections Committee posted relevant information online. A hotline was set up for the same purpose. Voters further than 20km from assigned polling stations got free rides or public transportation there and back. Tickets were supplied. Getting them required presenting valid IDs or other form of identification. Specially adapted polling stations accommodated disabled voters. For the first time, Israelis could follow ballot counting online in real time. Special cell phones permitted it. Within hours after polls close, an estimated 85% of votes were counted. Before end of day January 23, they'll all be. They'll be published as soon as available.