The Wisconsin Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on a case brought by Democrats to overturn a ruling that limited the use of absentee ballot drop boxes in the state. The outcome of this case could potentially impact the upcoming elections in the swing state, with implications for a close presidential race. The ruling is expected to come in just months before the primary and the presidential election in November.
The controversy over absentee ballot drop boxes began when former President Donald Trump claimed, without evidence, that they led to voter fraud. However, Democrats, election officials, and some Republicans argue that drop boxes are secure and essential for voters. The court’s ruling in 2022 stated that drop boxes could only be located in election clerk offices, leading to concerns about voter access and ballot security. The upcoming decision will determine whether this ruling will be overturned.
Democrats argue that the court misinterpreted the law regarding the use of drop boxes and that election clerks should have the discretion to determine how and where absentee ballots can be returned. Several advocacy groups and officials, including Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Elections Commission, support overturning the 2022 ruling. They argue that drop boxes have been used safely for decades and are an important tool for voters.
Election officials from various counties in Wisconsin have also voiced their support for overturning the ruling, citing the secure and efficient use of drop boxes during elections. Data from previous elections shows that drop boxes were effective in allowing voters to return their ballots on time. The use of drop boxes became especially important during the pandemic in 2020, when absentee voting saw a significant increase. Despite concerns raised by some about the security of drop boxes, their use in other states during the 2020 election was widespread.
The decision of the Wisconsin Supreme Court will have significant implications for the upcoming elections in the state. Advocates for overturning the ruling argue that drop boxes are essential for voter access and ballot security, while opponents warn of potential legal challenges and politicization of the court. With the presidential election expected to be closely contested in Wisconsin, the outcome of this case could shape the voting process and ultimately the results in the swing state. The arguments presented before the court will determine the future of drop boxes in Wisconsin and their impact on elections.
