"City in a coma": Only half voted here in the last election. And this time? | ynet

ynet reports on a sluggish election atmosphere in Bat Yam, less than a week before the 2026 elections. In the previous 2022 elections, only 50.6% of eligible voters in the city cast their ballots. Longtime residents in local "parliaments" explain the apathy as stemming from despair with politicians and a feeling that their vote doesn't matter. Some estimate the war will increase turnout, but others predict only a modest rise.

ynet reports on a sluggish election atmosphere in Bat Yam, less than a week before the 2026 elections. In the previous 2022 elections, only 50.6% of eligible voters in the city cast their ballots – 62,761 valid votes out of 124,742. The article speaks with longtime residents in local "parliaments," who explain the apathy as stemming from despair with politicians, a feeling that their vote doesn't matter, and the aging of the population. Some interviewees estimate that the war will increase turnout, but others predict only a modest rise to 55%. It is noted that the Likud campaign headquarters in the city is empty, and there is no street campaigning. Residents express concern over hateful discourse and prefer to avoid political confrontations.