By Saxon Daugherty Staff Writer
Venango County Judge Robert L. Boyer has approved the consolidation of voter precincts in Cornplanter Township and Sugarcreek Borough.
But Boyer denied the merging of two precincts in Rockland Township.
Boyer heard testimony on the proposal last week after the Venango County Board of Elections petitioned the Court of Common Pleas for the consolidation of election districts Cornplanter 1 and 2, Rockland 1 and 2 and Sugarcreek Borough 1 and 4.
Boyer ruled that the consolidation of Sugarcreek 1 and 4 is appropriate because the locations are only about six and a half blocks from each other. Sugarcreek 1 was the Rocky Grove Fire Hall and Sugarcreek 4 was the Sugarcreek Borough administrative office.
The proposed combined location will be the Rocky Grove Fire Hall.
The proposed combined polling location will be the Masonic Lodge at 957 Route 227.
Lastly, Boyer determined combining Rockland 1 and 2 would promote the public interest, but it would not suit the convenience of the electors located in Rockland because both routes require voters to travel a significant distance outside of Rockland Township to be redirected back into the township.
There are no direct roadways between Rockland 1 and 2, and they run through a rural setting that could create hazardous conditions during inclement weather, the court order said.
