New guidelines for ballot drop boxes approved by state elections commission

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Elections Commission approved new recommendations for clerks to help them navigate a recent court ruling regarding the use of absentee ballot drop boxes. 

The bipartisan commission unanimously approved a series of best practices for the 1,800 clerks across the state who administer elections as many asked for guidance following a state Supreme Court ruling that reinstated unstaffed drop boxes.

Some of the guidelines include ensuring clerks empty the drop boxes often to avoid them from being filled, recording the times and dates when ballots are retrieved, and placing the drop boxes in well-lit areas.

Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell said he's glad the commission provided them with the recommendations, but they are just that. Clerks are not required to follow them after commissioners stopped short of passing an emergency rule, which is similar to a state law. 

McDonell said WEC decision to not mandate drop box procedures will give municipalities flexibility. 

"Not every community is going to want to spend that kind of money for that level of security," McDonell said. "I do think having some flexibility in what your drop box looks like makes sense." 

Other best practices approved:

• Any damage or tampering to the box be documented and inspected to ensure that it remains secure for the purpose of depositing absentee ballots envelopes;
• The drop box be clearly marked or labeled that the drop box is for the purpose of collecting absentee ballots in return envelopes;
• The time of final retrieval of ballot return envelopes is clearly marked on or near the drop box. After the time of final retrieval, the drop box be secured to prevent the submission on absentee ballot return envelopes;
• Ballot retrieved from a drop box be securely transported to the office of the clerk;
• The drop box be equipped with unique locks or seals to secure ballots;
• Ballots that are returned via drop box be secured and transported in the same manner as all other absentee ballots received by clerks.

After a two-year absence without drop boxes, Waukesha County Clerk Meg Wartman said the recommendations will also deter voters from placing ballots in drop boxes after 8 p.m. on Election Day, which is the deadline for ballots to count. 

"The expectations can't be that someone can drop something off at the drop box at 8 p.m. and expect it to get to the polling place at the same time," Wartman said. "I think it's good to have our clerks make sure they post that guidance for their voters."

The commission acted just weeks before the Aug. 13 primary to provide more clarity around drop boxes after they became controversial during the 2020 presidential election. Most municipalities plan on reopening their drop boxes to the public next month, ahead of the August election.