Four hours to polls close: 78,500 Democrats primary voters cast ballots, 70% turnout

The Democrats party reported that 78,500 members have voted in its primary for the Knesset slate, with four hours left until polls close at 19:30. The figure represents a 70% turnout rate among registered members, according to the party.

At 15:30 Jerusalem, with four hours left until polls close at 19:30, the Democrats party reported that 78,500 members have voted in its primary for the Knesset slate, a 70% turnout rate among the 112,000 registered voters. The figure marks a sharp increase from the 50,000 votes (43%) reported by the party at 11:45 Jerusalem, as The Zioneer noted at that time.

The primary opened at 09:00 Jerusalem with 51 candidates and 112,000 eligible voters, as reported by N12's Dafna Liel (The Zioneer, 08:01 Jerusalem). Party leader Yair Golan said the list would determine the party's ability to restore hope (The Zioneer, 08:01 Jerusalem). By 11:45, 50,000 votes had been cast, a 43% turnout, according to N12's Amit Segal (The Zioneer, 11:45 Jerusalem). The latest figure comes directly from the party, shifting from initial media reports to an official party announcement.

Background: The Democrats party has seen a surge in membership, reaching 112,000 ahead of the primary, as The Zioneer reported on July 14. The party had earlier crossed 75,000 members in June and 85,000 registered for the primary by June 28, per earlier reports. The primary is conducted via secure digital voting, and results are expected at 20:00 Jerusalem at the party's campaign launch event.

What remains open: The final turnout and the slate's composition will not be known until polls close and results are announced. It is unclear how the high turnout will affect the rankings of the 51 candidates.

17 developments

1. 9 hours ago · 21:15 · 20 JulLatest

   Incumbent MKs are leading the party slate.

2. 20:22 · 20 Jul

   Full list of primary results released; Naor Narkis placed 22nd.

3. 20:11 · 20 Jul

   Gaby Lasky placed 7th and Moshe Redman placed 9th.

• Developing12:14 · 28 JunDemocrats Party says 51 candidates will run in primary, 85,000 members registered
• Developing7 days ago · 11:29 · 14 JulDemocrats primary registration surpasses 112,000 ahead of July 20 vote
• Developing17:57 · 12 JulDemocrats, Religious Zionists, Likud set primary dates; general election on October 27
• Strong16:14 · 20 JunLikely Democratic primary winner in D.C. draws comparisons to Maimane, signals clash with Trump

Source and signal

• Internal intake