The 40% is an exaggeration, I got the number of the top of my head. But yes, the Flemish government has a number of these type of programs that pay for all sort of random things. Don't forget that the people administrating these schemes also need to get paid.
https://www.vlaio.be/nl/subsidies-financiering/subsidiedatab...
I've already posted a link for another source in another comment.
Edit: This is how to get a refund for voting: https://vlaanderenkiest.be/faq/wanneer-krijgt-u-uw-reiskoste...