Chareidim account for nearly 14% of Israel’s population but only 10.5% of eligible voters in the upcoming Knesset election, according to newly released figures from Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics. JNS reports.

The data highlights the unusually young age profile of the Chareidi population, which results in a smaller share of voting-age adults relative to the sector’s overall percentage of the population.

A similar pattern exists in the Arab sector, which makes up a larger share of the general population than of the eligible electorate, partly because of demographics and partly because not all residents in certain areas hold Israeli citizenship.

The figures also point to major differences among cities. Yerushalayim has one of the lowest proportions of voting-age eligible residents, reflecting its large young population and the presence of many Arab residents who are not Israeli citizens.

By contrast, many other major Israeli cities have far higher percentages of residents eligible to vote, often reaching 70% to 80% of the population.

The numbers offer important context ahead of the election, particularly as parties targeting Chareidi and other young sectors seek to translate demographic growth into greater political influence.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)