The mayor of a central Wisconsin city recently made headlines for his controversial removal of an absentee ballot drop box outside City Hall. Wausau Mayor Doug Diny, who ran on a platform opposing drop boxes, defended his actions, stating that he was simply acting as a member of staff and there was nothing untoward about his actions.
Diny's removal of the drop box has sparked debate in the community, with some residents expressing anger and concern over potential voter interference. The use of drop boxes has been a contentious issue in Wisconsin, with some Republican-run municipalities opting against their use for the upcoming election.
Drop boxes gained popularity during the 2020 election due to increased absentee voting amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While they were used in numerous states, concerns were raised by some, including former President Donald Trump, about the security of these boxes.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court initially banned the use of drop boxes in 2022 but later reversed its decision, allowing communities to decide on their usage. The Wisconsin Elections Commission issued guidance to municipal clerks, leaving the decision on drop box installation to local authorities.
In Wausau, a city of about 40,000 people, the decision to place the drop box outside City Hall was made without prior discussion between the mayor and the city clerk. Diny cited concerns about the box's security as the reason for its removal.
While Diny expressed his general opposition to drop boxes, he emphasized the importance of proper procedures and citizen input in decision-making. The incident has raised questions about voting interference and intimidation, with some residents calling for Diny to apologize and return the drop box.
As the community grapples with this issue, the safety and security of drop boxes remain a key concern. Recommendations from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission include video surveillance, secure placement, and clear chain of custody protocols for ballot retrieval.
Despite the controversy surrounding his actions, Diny maintains that he did nothing wrong and that the drop box is secure inside City Hall. The city attorney has not yet commented on the matter, and the situation remains unresolved as residents await further developments.
