Thousands of Israelis got financial rewards in return for voting in this election — without a hint of scandal.
Amid warnings of voter fatigue, businesses around the country started trying to incentivise voting by giving discounts to anyone who could show a ballot box selfie.
Shopping centres were heaving, and even nightspots joined in. The trendy music bar Mike’s Place in Tel Aviv wrote to customers on election eve, promising them a 30 per cent discount on part of its menu upon showing a polling station snap.
“The deal is for tomorrow only so vote and come for your favourite burger and beer,” it wrote.
The Minato sushi bar was offering the same discount, as was the Carasso Science Park in Beersheba. You could even register for cut-price education on presentation of a photo, with Sela College offering a 30 per cent discount off registration for high-tech, graphic and cyber courses.
These businesses, and many others, subscribed to the Voting 70% organisation, which was pushing for 70 per cent turnout. The target was almost reached — defying expectations, turnout rose to 69.4 per cent from 68.5 in April.
Beaches were packed throughout the day, as were nature spots and parks. Free train travel prompted people to explore the country — often glued to news sites or listening to the radio as they went.
These media organisations had an election day struggle of their own, as inspiring people to vote was not the only challenge that arose from two elections in such a short period.
With polling figures similar to last time and candidate lists largely unchanged, Israeli journalists tried hard to find ways of making their rolling coverage interesting, especially during election day when appearances by candidates banned — a protocol that did not stop Benjamin Netanyahu from prolific Facebook appearances.
Army Radio — Israel’s answer to BBC Radio 5 Live — spent copious amounts of time running with the theme of second chances. As Israelis were getting their second vote, they interviewed students who succeeded in resits and a couple who separated when their children were young and then reunited.
Theirs was reminiscent of the story of another couple, whose relationship has hit highs and lows over more than two decades.
They were inseparable from 1996 to 1997 before their first big bust-up, reconciled in 2009, and took their relationship up a notch in 2012.
Will Benjamin Netanyahu and his former ally, aide and running-mate Avigdor Liberman, currently in the midst of a momentous row, learn from the happy couple on the radio and find their happy ending? Tune in next election day to hear their story.
