Hail started to fall in Jerusalem a short time ago, amidst reports of particularly low voting rates in the capital.

The voting rate in local elections around the country now stands at 26%, or 1.8 million, a 20% decline compared to previous elections in 2018.

The voting rate now stands at 17.7% as of 13:00, a significant drop compared to previous elections.

With local elections set to take place around the country on February 27, the law has been amended to allow the tens of thousands of soldiers in the field to vote at military polling stations over the course of a week.

A new Maariv poll shows a close race between incumbent Mayor Ron Huldai and challenger Orna Barbivai.

The Knesset plenum passed an amendment to local elections law, including extending the early elections period for serving soldiers and expanding those eligible to serve on military electoral thresholds.