The Wisconsin Department of Justice has confirmed that they are investigating the removal of Wausau’s only absentee ballot drop box by the mayor last month. The Marathon County district attorney requested assistance from the DOJ regarding the incident, which occurred in the small city located about 200 miles northwest of Milwaukee. The department’s Division of Criminal Investigation will lead the investigation into the removal of the drop box by Mayor Doug Diny on September 22nd. The clerk, who has the authority to provide a drop box under a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling, was not consulted before the box was removed.
Mayor Diny, who ran as a conservative and opposed drop boxes during the nonpartisan mayor’s race, stated that he wanted the city council to discuss the use of a drop box before making a decision. The city council is scheduled to address the issue at an upcoming meeting, following the reinstallation of the drop box by the clerk. The box was returned to the clerk and subsequently bolted to the ground on Monday, with no ballots inside when the mayor took it. While the mayor maintains that he did not act improperly, supporters of drop boxes are calling for a federal investigation, alleging that Diny violated federal law by interfering with the right to vote.
According to data from the group All Voting is Local, more than 60 towns, villages, and cities in nine counties across Wisconsin have opted out of using drop boxes for the upcoming presidential election in November. While cities like Milwaukee and Madison have embraced drop boxes, Wausau did not use an absentee drop box during the August state primary election. Wausau, with a population of approximately 40,000, is located in Marathon County, which was won by Republican former President Donald Trump by significant margins in both the 2016 and 2020 elections. The issue of drop boxes has become a point of contention in the lead-up to the November election, with different municipalities making decisions on their use.
The removal of the drop box in Wausau has sparked controversy and raised concerns about potential voter suppression. Drop box supporters argue that the mayor’s actions hindered voters’ ability to cast their ballots securely and conveniently. The involvement of the Wisconsin Department of Justice in the investigation indicates the seriousness of the issue and the potential legal implications for those involved. The decision by various municipalities across Wisconsin to opt out of using drop boxes reflects a larger debate about voting access and election integrity in the state.
As the investigation into the removal of Wausau’s drop box continues, it remains to be seen what consequences, if any, Mayor Diny may face for his actions. The outcome of this investigation could have broader implications for how drop boxes are utilized in future elections in Wisconsin and other states. The controversy surrounding the removal of the drop box has reignited discussions about voter rights and election procedures, highlighting the importance of ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. The upcoming meeting of the Wausau city council to discuss the issue further underscores the significance of this issue in shaping the future of elections in the state.
