Wausau Mayor's Ballot Box Removal Sparks Controversy in Wisconsin

In a controversial move, Doug Diny, the mayor of Wausau, Wisconsin, personally removed an absentee ballot drop box from outside City Hall on Sunday, September 22, 2024. This action has reignited debates over voting accessibility and security in the crucial swing state of Wisconsin, where election procedures have been subject to intense scrutiny and legal challenges in recent years.

Wausau, a city of approximately 40,000 residents and the county seat of Marathon County, has become the latest focal point in Wisconsin's ongoing struggle with election administration. The state, known for its decentralized election system managed by over 1,800 municipal clerks, has seen its fair share of electoral controversies, including recounts and implementation of voter ID laws.

Diny, who was elected in April 2024 on a platform opposing absentee ballot drop boxes, defended his actions, stating:

"This is no different than the maintenance guy moving it out there. I'm a member of staff. There's nothing nefarious going on here. I'm hoping for a good result."

The mayor's decision to remove the drop box has sparked protests and criticism from some residents who view it as potential voter interference. The incident occurred just as absentee ballots were being distributed to voters for the upcoming November 2024 presidential election.

Wisconsin's approach to ballot drop boxes has been inconsistent across municipalities. While some Republican-run areas have opted against their use, Democratic strongholds like Milwaukee and Madison have embraced them. This disparity reflects the state's political divide, with Marathon County consistently voting Republican in recent presidential elections.

The use of drop boxes became widespread during the 2020 election due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with at least 500 boxes deployed across more than 430 Wisconsin communities. However, their legality has been contested, leading to a series of court decisions. In 2022, the then-conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court banned drop boxes, only to have this decision reversed in July 2024 by the newly liberal-majority court.

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission recommends specific security measures for drop boxes, including video surveillance and secure placement. While the Wausau drop box was under video surveillance, it had not yet been bolted down when Diny removed it.

Wisconsin's election landscape is complex, with the state allowing same-day voter registration and expanding early voting options in recent years. The state typically sees higher voter turnout than the national average, making every aspect of election administration crucial.

As the controversy unfolds, the Wisconsin Elections Commission, established in 2016, has reminded officials that impeding the "free exercise of the franchise at an election" is a felony. The commission has urged clerks to contact law enforcement if anyone attempts to tamper with drop boxes.

The incident in Wausau underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding election procedures in Wisconsin, a state where presidential elections have been decided by narrow margins. As the 2024 election approaches, the debate over ballot drop boxes and other voting methods is likely to intensify, reflecting the broader national conversation about election integrity and accessibility.