Arabs flock to polling stations: long lines at polling station in Laqiya | Documentation

Long lines of voters were observed at a polling station in the Bedouin town of Laqiya in the Negev during the elections for the 26th Knesset. Additional reports of unusual congestion were received from Arab towns across the country.

Long lines of voters were observed today (Tuesday) at a polling station in the Bedouin town of Laqiya in the Negev, as part of the elections for the 26th Knesset. Footage from the scene shows residents waiting for their turn to vote, against the backdrop of additional reports of unusual congestion at polling stations in Arab towns across the country. Reports of the lines in Laqiya join testimonies received from police officers operating in Arab towns, according to which there is brisk voter movement at various polling stations. Some officers described congestion they do not recall from the previous election campaign. The article asks whether this is a sign of an increase in voter turnout in the Arab community. Polling stations are expected to close mostly at 10:00 PM.