First-Time Israeli Voters Show Strong Intent Ahead of the 2026 Knesset Election

In May 2026 the Israel Democracy Institute’s Education Policy for Democracy program surveyed 576 Israelis aged 18-22 – the cohort that will vote for the first time in the 26th Knesset election. The sample comprised 443 Jewish (77 %) and 133 Arab (23 %) respondents and was weighted across five religious categories (secular, traditional-nonreligious, traditional-religious, religious, ultra-Orthodox).

First-Time Voters Ahead of the 26th Knesset Elections

Across groups, 63 % will definitely vote and 28 % think they will, giving over 90 % intent. Eighty-two percent believe voting can influence reality “to a fairly great or very great extent,” but only 63 % of ultra-Orthodox share that view. Women in both communities are more likely than men to see voting as effective.

Times of Israel

Nearly two-thirds say they are fairly or very interested in politics, with ultra-Orthodox youth most engaged (? 75 %). Social media dominates political information; Arab youths rely on it more than Jewish youths. Among Jewish respondents, religious groups cite family and friends, while ultra-Orthodox point to newspapers and traditional outlets.

First-Time Voters Ahead of the 26th Knesset Elections

National security and cost of living top priorities; Arab women also stress Jewish-Arab relations. Views on democracy split: 78 % of Arab respondents and 66 % of ultra-Orthodox rate it poorly, while 60 % of traditional-religious and 58 % of religious Jews rate it good or excellent.

Times of Israel

The Israel Democracy Institute says the high voting intention reflects a shared commitment to democratic participation despite skepticism toward political institutions. It links lower optimism among Arab youths to limited influence and insufficient representation, and notes that political literacy is shaped by family discussions and peer networks.

First-Time Voters Ahead of the 26th Knesset Elections

Jewish respondents distrust political actors; Arab respondents cite limited influence and underrepresentation. Ultra-Orthodox are most skeptical about elections’ ability to generate change, and few have joined demonstrations, petitions or activism beyond voting.

First-Time Voters Ahead of the 26th Knesset Elections

The IDI report describes ‘nearly two-thirds’ as politically interested, while Times of Israel reports 77 % interest among ultra-Orthodox and 49 % among traditional-nonreligious youths. The survey captures intent, not turnout, leaving uncertainty about future participation.

Times of Israel

• “Over 90 percent of first-time voters intend to cast ballots in the election later this year, a poll published on Sunday found, indicating the importance of the vote to Israel’s young adult demographic.” — Times of Israel

Times of Israel

• “According to IDI, pessimism among Jewish voters stems largely from distrust of the political system and a sense that political actors are insufficiently responsive.” — Times of Israel

Times of Israel

• “Family, Friends, and Social Networks Shape Political Literacy The survey highlights the importance of socialization agents in shaping political literacy.” — Israel Democracy Institute report

First-Time Voters Ahead of the 26th Knesset Elections

The 26th Knesset election will be the first chance for this cohort to vote. Their strong intent and nuanced views on democracy could influence party strategies, especially regarding Arab representation and ultra-Orthodox engagement.

First-Time Voters Ahead of the 26th Knesset Elections