FRANKLIN, Pa. (EYT) — The Venango County Election Board has made a decision on a new voting system.

A public meeting of the Venango County Election Board was held on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, during which the board made a final decision on the purchase of a new voting system.

The board unanimously voted to purchase the ES&S ExpressVote System, which provides a verifiable paper vote record upon completion, for each vote cast. The system has been certified by both the Federal Election Administration Commission and the PA Department of State.

Venango County residents were given the opportunity to see the system first hand at a public demonstration held on February 25, 2019. The event, which was held at the Atlantic Avenue United Brethren Church, drew about 100 people, according to Venango County Chief Clerk/Administrator Shelly Hartle.

According to Hartle, two vendors, ES&S (Election Systems and Software) and Clear Ballot, were invited to the event, and local voters and poll workers in attendance had a first-hand look at both of the vendors and their equipment. Those in attendance were asked to use the machines, and then fill out a survey on which machine they preferred and why. The ExpressVote System received the majority of votes.

The board wishes to express their appreciation to all who attended and provided their input.

Negotiations will now begin with the Commissioners and ES&S to finalize a contract, for presentation at the next public meeting of the Board of County Commissioners to be held on April 9, 2019.