21:02:

While the nationwide voter turnout is low, voter turnout is significantly higher in Arab and chareidi areas. Elad reported 65% at 19:00, Beit Shemesh 45%, Netivot 61%, Churpish 77%,Tamrah 72%, and Kara 94%.

20:05:

Perhaps a record low as voter turnout in Yerushalayim at 21:00 was only 32%. At the same time in the 2008 election voter turnout was 43%. While reports are unofficial, it appears chareidi voting in the capital was significantly higher than the other sectors of the capital.

21:35:

Nationwide voter turnout at 20:30 reported 42.6%. Jerusalem (32%) and Tel Aviv (22%), Ashdod 42%, Ashkelon 37%, Beersheva 33%, Haifa 41%, Rishon L’Tzion 27%, Bnei Brak 60%, Givatayim 35%, Petach Tikvah 36%, Ramat Gan 31%, Ra’anana 46% and Sderot 60%.

21:47:

Growing concern in Barkat campaign headquarters amid the realization that low voter turnout will most likely benefit opponent Moshe Leon since chareidi sector voting appears much higher than dati leumi and non-religious sectors.

21:57:

Highest voter turnout in the chareidi sector at 20:30 reported in Elad (75%) and Modi’in Illit (77%)

21:58:

Bayit Yehudi party leaders have been traveling around and encouraging voters to vote over the past hour before polls close.

22:00:

Polling stations nationwide have closed. The process of tabulating the votes is underway. Official results are expected early Wednesday morning Israel time.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)