Mayor Doug Diny of Wausau, Wisconsin, recently sparked controversy by removing the city’s only absentee ballot drop box outside City Hall. Diny, who ran for office opposing absentee drop boxes, defended his actions by stating that he was a member of the city staff performing maintenance. The removal of the drop box has led to protests and raised concerns among drop box advocates in the swing state of Wisconsin.
While drop boxes have been widely used in previous elections, their security has been a point of contention among Republicans and Democrats. Former President Donald Trump and Republicans have alleged that drop boxes facilitated cheating without providing evidence, while Democrats and election officials argue that they are secure.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court initially banned the use of drop boxes in 2022 but later reversed its decision, allowing communities to decide whether to install them. In Wausau, a conservative-leaning city, the drop box was removed by Diny without consulting the city clerk. Some residents have called for Diny to return the drop box, accusing him of interfering with the election process.
Despite the controversy, Diny maintains that he did nothing wrong and is open to the city council determining the fate of the drop box. As the issue remains unresolved, the drop box is temporarily housed inside City Hall. The use of drop boxes in Wisconsin continues to be a divisive issue as the state prepares for upcoming elections.
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