Voting rights advocacy groups celebrate drop boxes being legal in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- American flags were raised high and proud Wednesday morning as voting advocacy groups celebrated in Milwaukee after the Supreme Court of Wisconsin ruled absentee drop boxes are legal. 

More than 30 voters and seven groups participated in the rally that took place on the city's north side. 

"I want people around the country to know, and I want people around the country to see what’s taking place here in Wisconsin, because progress is taking place here," said Nick Ramos, the executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.

Ballot drop boxes are legal in Wisconsin once again. 

“Milwaukee voters, you’re the most important voters in this world. Don’t tell me your vote doesn’t count. Don’t tell me your vote doesn’t matter," said Reverend Greg Lewis, the executive director of Souls to the Polls.

The 4-3 ruling reversed the Supreme Court's own decision from two years ago. The new court, which has a liberal majority, ruled that drop boxes fall under the discretion of local election clerks and do not have to be placed only inside the clerk's office. 

“Everybody has access to some way, shape, or form in participating in civic engagement in the state of Wisconsin," said Iuscely Flores, with the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.

Now, up to 15 drop boxes will be placed in community areas in Milwaukee County. The drop boxes will be up and running for the August presidential primary. 

"It's because we showed up in 2022, drop boxes are back in our state," said Lewis.

Lawerence Harris considers this an empowering moment. He'll be voting in his first presidential election this fall. 

“It really matters when you make a difference. It really feels good. So that part of definitely just giving back and being a part of a community," said Harris. 

Opponents of the ruling say the decision could lead to widespread voter fraud.

“It makes it incredibly difficult to detect ballot harvesting, because people can drop off multiple ballots late in the night when no one can observe it," said Luke Berg, deputy council for Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty.

That's a claim Ramos wants to dispel. The Wisconsin Elections Commission is expected to give local clerks guidance regarding the boxes, including security measures. 

"Last time I checked, there isn’t widespread voter fraud happening. Not in Wisconsin. Not in the U.S.," said Ramos. "You will not get an opportunity to threaten any of my people that want to exercise their right to vote in the state.”