Wisconsin communities are pushing back against the use of ballot drop boxes, raising important concerns over election security.
At a Glance
- City councils in Brookfield and New Berlin, Waukesha County, are banning ballot drop boxes for the upcoming general election.
- The decision follows a state Supreme Court ruling that reinstated the right to use ballot drop boxes but does not mandate it.
- Proponents argue drop boxes ensure election integrity, while opponents claim they disenfranchise vulnerable voters.
- Legislation has been proposed for 24/7 video surveillance of ballot drop boxes.
Communities Respond to Election Security Concerns
Communities in Wisconsin are actively deciding against using ballot drop boxes in future elections, driven by significant concerns over election security and voting process integrity. Following a contentious legal battle, local leaders in cities such as Brookfield and New Berlin have opted to return to more traditional voting methods, like in-person voting at polling stations and mail-in ballots.
The shift reflects local sentiment favoring transparency and reliability in elections. Brookfield City Attorney Jenna Merten emphasized that drop boxes are unnecessary given the reduced threat of COVID-19 and available voting options. She noted, “With such provisions in place, we do not think a drop box is necessary at this time.”
In addition to security concerns, Merten mentioned that banning drop boxes could save election workers substantial time and resources, as they would no longer need to maintain chain-of-custody logs, camera surveillance, or additional security measures for the drop boxes.
The chair of our bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission explains why ballot drop boxes are safe and secure and yesterday’s Supreme Court decision is great news for ensuring every eligible Wisconsinite can cast their ballot and make sure their voice is heard. 🗳️🧵 https://t.co/c0HsTaMX3P
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) July 6, 2024
A Broader Legal Context
In 2022, the Wisconsin Supreme Court had ruled absentee ballots must be delivered by mail or in person, effectively banning drop boxes for absentee ballots. This decision was seen by some as a measure to bolster election security, while others, including voting rights advocates and disability groups, condemned it for making it harder for vulnerable voters to participate.
“The prohibition on absentee ballot return assistance will make it difficult if not impossible for many disabled and elderly Wisconsin voters to return their ballots in the manner they have used for years,” stated Disability Rights Wisconsin.
Despite the court’s allowance, many municipalities choose not to use drop boxes, citing a need to ensure tighter control and traceability over ballots. This position was emphasized by the conservative law firm Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL), which challenged the legal status of drop boxes, leading to a court ruling that absentee ballots must be returned by mail or delivered in person—a measure proponents say preserves election integrity.
Future Prospects and Continuing Debate
The legislature has seen proposals for implementing 24/7 video surveillance of drop boxes to appease both sides of the debate. This move aims to provide scrutiny and transparency, mitigating fraud concerns while still offering a convenient way for voters to cast their ballots.
“Whether the court intended this or not, the decision is being used by some election deniers and skeptics to really continue their assault on the 2020 election,” added Barry Burden, a professor from UW-Madison.
Donald Trump’s remarks also fueled the debate, as he claimed on Truth Social that other states should follow Wisconsin’s lead in deeming drop boxes illegal. The continuing discussion around election methods demonstrates the persistent divide in views over what secure and fair voting should look like.
“Other States are looking at, and studying, the amazing Wisconsin Supreme Court decision declaring Ballot Boxes ILLEGAL, and that decision includes the 2020 Presidential Election,” Trump posted.
As Wisconsin communities move forward, the spotlight remains on ensuring elections are both secure and accessible. The choices made by these communities will likely influence broader election policy debates nationwide.
