ALBANY -- State officials will be keeping a close eye on a new electronic ticketing program to make sure sales of Midway tickets at the State Fair are being handled properly.

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli will audit the New York State Fair's electronic ticketing pilot program to ensure reliable reporting of Midway ticket sales.

DiNapoli says a team of auditors will be on site during the State Fair in Syracuse to observe, test, and verify the new electronic method and determine whether ticket sales are accurately reported.

"With a million visitors coming through the gates for this historic annual event, we want to make sure this Midway ticketing method is viable," DiNapoli said. "It's our job to ensure the fiscal integrity of the New York State Fair."

The new pilot program uses electronic wristbands and bar-coded cards instead of paper tickets for Midway and Kiddieland rides.

The audit was suggested by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, which manages the State Fair. If successful, the Department may expand electronic ticketing next year to include State Fair admissions and events.