Wisconsin Cities Ban Ballot Drop Boxes Over Security Concerns

Still BANNED After Supreme Court Ruling - Tensions RISE!

Wisconsin cities are banning ballot drop boxes, citing security concerns and sparking debate over election integrity.

At a Glance

Brookfield and New Berlin have voted to ban ballot drop boxes for the upcoming general election
The decision follows a state Supreme Court ruling reinstating municipalities’ right to use drop boxes
City officials argue drop boxes are unnecessary due to reduced COVID-19 threat and other voting options
Opponents say drop boxes benefit elderly, disabled, and single parents
The ban is part of a wider national debate on election security and accessibility

Cities Take Action on Ballot Drop Boxes

In a move reflecting growing concerns over election security, two Wisconsin cities have decided to ban ballot drop boxes for the upcoming general election. Brookfield and New Berlin, both located in Waukesha County, have taken this step despite a recent state Supreme Court ruling that reinstated municipalities’ right to use such boxes.

The decision to eliminate drop boxes stems from various factors, including reduced public health concerns and the availability of alternative voting methods. Brookfield City Attorney Jenna Merten explained the rationale behind the ban, citing the changing landscape since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Unlike 2020 and 2021, Covid is no longer the threat to public health that it once was, and the City is not subject to any stay-at-home or mask orders,” Brookfield City Attorney Jenna Merten wrote in a memo, adding that the city still provides ample services like extended hours for in-person absentee voting and a drive-up ballot drop off for disabled voters. “With such provisions in place, we do not think a drop box is necessary at this time.”

Merten also highlighted the potential benefits of removing drop boxes, including saving time and resources for election workers who would no longer need to maintain security measures and chain-of-custody logs for the boxes.

NEW: Two cities in Waukesha County, Wisconsin are opting out of using drop boxes for absentee ballots this fall even after the state Supreme Court reversed a ban on the containers earlier this summer. The cities had previously used drop boxes in 2020. https://t.co/34qXTm31Wq

— Democracy Docket (@DemocracyDocket) August 26, 2024

Debate Over Accessibility and Security

The decision to ban drop boxes has not been without controversy. Advocates for their use argue that they provide an essential service to certain voter demographics. Nick Ramos, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, expressed concern about the impact on vulnerable voters.

“They are a means to being able to help people that actually need them, like the elderly, the disabled, the single parents,” Ramos said. “People are looking to be able to use the drop boxes and they’re not using them in nefarious ways.”

This local debate in Wisconsin reflects a broader national conversation about balancing election security with voter accessibility. The use of ballot drop boxes became widespread during the 2020 election due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but their continued use has become a point of contention.

Legal and Political Implications

The decisions by Brookfield and New Berlin come in the wake of a complex legal history surrounding ballot drop boxes in Wisconsin. In 2022, the state Supreme Court had banned their use, only to reverse that decision recently. This legal back-and-forth has fueled ongoing debates about election integrity and the proper methods for casting ballots.

The issue has also become entangled with broader political disputes. Former President Donald Trump has used the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s earlier ruling to question the results of the 2020 election, despite the fact that the ruling does not apply retroactively.

As Wisconsin communities grapple with these decisions, the debate continues to evolve. Some lawmakers have proposed legislation for 24/7 video surveillance of ballot drop boxes where they are still in use, highlighting the ongoing concern for security.

The controversy surrounding ballot drop boxes in Wisconsin serves as a microcosm of the larger national debate on election security and accessibility. As communities and states continue to navigate these issues, the balance between ensuring election integrity and providing convenient voting options remains a critical challenge for our democratic process.