In Wisconsin, ballot drop boxes have become a highly contested issue, with some municipalities opting not to use them in the upcoming election. Drop boxes were legal in the state in 2020, then mostly banned in 2022, and are now legal again after a shift in the state Supreme Court. Data shows that there are at least 78 drop boxes being used in Wisconsin during the general election, significantly lower than the 528 drop boxes in 2020. The decision to use drop boxes is left to the over 1,800 local officials who administer elections, with some cities like Milwaukee and Madison using multiple drop boxes while others have rejected them.
Voting rights advocates are concerned about the coordinated efforts to pressure local officials into not using drop boxes, viewing it as a form of bullying that undermines access to voting. Polls show Wisconsin to be a closely contested swing state, with drop boxes becoming a political flashpoint in the lead-up to the election. In Wausau, a city where the mayor attempted to move the drop box, tensions arose between those who support and oppose the use of drop boxes, leading to a contentious City Council meeting.
The issue of drop boxes in Wisconsin has evolved from being uncontroversial to becoming a divisive topic, particularly in the aftermath of the 2020 election. After Trump’s loss, Republican leaders changed their stance on drop boxes, leading to legal challenges and changes in policies regarding their usage. In response to the 2022 ban on drop boxes, liberal judges overturned the ruling, allowing municipal clerks to decide on their usage. This has resulted in a patchwork of local policies on drop boxes across the state, with some cities choosing not to use them this election.
Conservative elected officials in places like Dodge County have urged against using drop boxes, citing concerns about trust in the electoral system. Republican nominee for US Senate Eric Hovde has also raised doubts about drop boxes, leading to plans for surveillance efforts at drop box locations. Groups like True the Vote are preparing to monitor drop boxes and livestream the footage to prevent voter fraud, raising concerns about potential intimidation of voters. The issue of drop boxes in Wisconsin has become a battleground for political debate, with implications for voter access and election integrity.
Overall, the controversy surrounding drop boxes in Wisconsin highlights the broader tensions around voting rights and election processes in the state. As the state prepares for another closely contested election, the use of drop boxes has become a focal point for political maneuvering and legal battles. The decisions made by local officials on whether to use drop boxes will shape the access to voting for residents across the state, underscoring the importance of ensuring fair and secure elections.
