Japanese businesses offer discounts to young voters

YOKOHAMA, Japan, July 19 (UPI) -- Businesses in two Japanese cities said they are working to boost election turnout by offering discounts to young voters .

A total 143 participating businesses in the Kanagawa prefectural cities of Yokohama and Yokosuka said voters between the ages of 20 and 35 will receive discounts through Aug. 4 if they present proof of their participation in the July 21 House of Councilors election, The Mainichi Shimbun reported Friday.

The initiative, dubbed "senkyo wari 2," includes restaurants, nail salons, car washes, gas stations and computer classes.

The businesses said proof of voting includes photos of the voters standing near a clearly visible polling station sign.

Wakazo Inc., a venture company in Yokohama, pioneered the program during last year's House of Representatives election.