Voters use drop boxes to cast ballots after SCOWIS overturned previous ruling

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – For the first time since 2022, voters in Wisconsin will be able to vote by ballot drop boxes.

This is the first election to have ballot drop boxes in community areas since the Supreme Court of Wisconsin overturned their own ruling from two years ago.

Thirteen drop boxes have been placed around Milwaukee County. Each box is locked with signage that explains when the drop boxes will be emptied.

In 2022, the court implemented a nearly total ban of drop boxes after it ruled that drop boxes placed anywhere except for the election clerk’s office were illegal.

Last month, the court overruled its own decision in a 4-3 ruling. Drop boxes have been the subject of contentious debate — with members of the GOP claiming drop boxes could lead to ballot harvesting. There is no evidence that drop boxes have led to widespread voter fraud. Voters say it's just one way to make voting accessible.

“Whatever we can do to make it easier that people will vote, we should do,” said Edward Langer, a voter. “Make sure it’s safe and secure. And is it any less secure than putting it in a mailbox? I think a lot of these are bogus complaints."

Although primary elections have a historically low voter turnout, people we spoke to say they believe drop boxes could help change that.