Weather It Is (Voting Weather)

Good Morning:

Just prior to our first snowstorm of the year, and biggest since 2008, I was asked: "What would be the effect on voting if such a storm were to occur on election day?"  I replied that a snowy election day would tend to keep the right side (eastern and mountainous) side of the country at home, while a very rainy election day would keep the left side (Western Coastal Plain) at home.  If you don't think there is a difference, just compare rates at which people of the Gush Dan (36%) serve in IDF combat units versus those in areas like Gush Etzion, Beit El (around 80%!).  The source of this information was a newspaper article that was just posted on the web, but I can't find its url.  If you know, it please let me know.

Looking at our weather crystal ball, we see that a broad trough of low pressure remains over Europe. Ahead of this system, the winds continue to blow out of the south and temperatures are rising.  In fact, by election day, temperatures should approach 20 C in most areas of the country, with even higher temperatures in the valleys away from the coast.  So, what will be the effect of really nice weather on election day.  Well, considering the proximity of the coastal beaches to the coastal plain, one might extrapolate that this nice weather will cost the left side one or two seats -- as our more easy going folks head to the sandy Mediterranean rather than to the polling station!

Barry Lynn