The political landscape in Wisconsin has become increasingly heated as election season approaches, with a recent incident involving the removal of a voting drop box raising concerns about voter access. Wausau Mayor Doug Diny drew criticism after he personally removed the city’s lone drop box from outside City Hall, posting a photo of himself doing so on social media.
While Diny claims the action was simply a matter of routine maintenance, Marathon County Clerk Kaitlyn Bernarde has filed a complaint with the state’s Department of Justice, demanding an investigation into the mayor’s actions. The drop box, which was reportedly empty at the time of its removal, was seen by some as a deliberate attempt to limit voter access.
This incident comes amidst a broader legal battle over the use of absentee ballot drop boxes in Wisconsin. In July 2022, the state Supreme Court ruled that these boxes were not authorized under state law, effectively banning their use. However, this ruling was overturned by the court’s new liberal majority in July 2024, leading to a resurgence of drop boxes in many communities.
The decision to reinstate drop boxes has sparked a significant backlash from those who oppose their use, citing concerns over potential security risks and the lack of proper oversight. This sentiment is reflected in the fact that more than 60 towns, villages, and cities in nine counties have opted out of using drop boxes for the upcoming presidential election in November.
While the debate over the use of absentee ballot drop boxes continues, it is clear that this issue has become a central point of contention in the ongoing fight over election integrity in Wisconsin. The state’s status as a battleground in national elections has amplified the focus on voting procedures, leaving the future of drop boxes in Wisconsin uncertain.
