Israeli Election Ballot Printing Operation Faces Tight Deadline
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Ordah printing plant in Kiryat Gat produced 450 million ballots for the upcoming Israeli elections within a tight 10-day deadline. The complex operation involved meticulous printing, cutting, and packaging to ensure accuracy and prevent errors. The plant's deputy CEO stressed the national responsibility and the potential consequences of any mistake on the democratic process.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ordah printed 450 million ballots for the Israeli elections in Kiryat Gat.
- The printing operation had a strict 10-day deadline from October 4 to October 15.
- Each polling station must receive 500 ballots for each of the 38 competing parties.
- The process involved precise printing, cutting, and secure packaging of ballots.
- Any error could have compromised the integrity of the elections and democracy.
Ordah, a printing plant in Kiryat Gat, was responsible for printing approximately 450 million ballots for the upcoming elections, a massive logistical undertaking. The company secured the tender from the Central Elections Committee for this crucial national task.
The operation involved printing over 11.5 million ballots for each of the 38 competing parties, with substantial reserves to prevent theft or loss and ensure each polling station receives 500 ballots per party. The plant prepared 24,000 specialized boxes, each containing 500 ballots for each party, plus blank ballots, all sealed and dispatched to distribution points.
Ordah operated under extreme time pressure, with official printing commencing on October 4 and the final box needing to be dispatched by October 15. To meet the deadline without disrupting regular operations, the factory hired about 100 external workers and ran in emergency mode, 24 hours a day, six days a week, with at least 50 employees per shift.
The printing process involved three stages: printing large sheets, cutting them with five guillotine machines to exact specifications dictated by law regarding size, font, and visual rules, and finally, meticulous packaging and sorting. Each box was counted, categorized by party, and sealed under strict supervision to ensure accurate delivery to polling stations nationwide.
Tzayig, the plant's deputy CEO, highlighted the immense pressure and the critical importance of absolute precision. She emphasized that any minor error could potentially impact the voting process, compromise the integrity of the elections, and undermine the proper functioning of Israeli democracy. The company prepared for the project months in advance, developing backup plans for potential issues, and ultimately succeeded in fulfilling this national mission.
