From our Founding Fathers shaping our nation at Independence Hall to ringing liberty throughout the land with a prominent bell, the backbone of democracy was formed and strengthened for centuries in Philadelphia.
Recently, there has been another chapter added to the city’s rich history of taking part in the democratic process. Philadelphia selected the ExpressVote XL voting machine to provide its voters with a secure, accountable and accessible machine. More than 3,500 new machines will be in use for the November 2019 elections at all of the city’s 1,600 voting precincts.
Over the last month, the Philadelphia City Commissioner’s Office has been working around the clock to provide public demonstrations, allowing voters to use the new machines and ask questions with trained staff onsite. The demonstrations have been held in high-traffic public areas as well as libraries, senior fairs and at other city-related events.
This week, as the nation readies to ring in the July 4th holiday, the ExpressVote XL has been on display at Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center, only steps away from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The National Constitution Center brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution.
Many Philadelphians and their families visit the center to pass on the history and education that started in their own backyard. During the demonstrations, individuals experienced the new machines and were impressed with the technology. It was a great opportunity to showcase the machine’s capacity to display the entire ballot at once, and its ability to print a paper ballot that can be reviewed before the ballot is cast, which is new for Philadelphia voters.
Surrounded by America’s rich history, the National Constitution Center is an ideal location for voters to see and try the ExpressVote XL. We are thrilled to be part of this history and to provide an important role with Philadelphia’s democratic process for many years to come.