Voting rights advocates slam communities prohibiting ballot drop boxes

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Thousands of voters plan to vote early this fall, but for some Wisconsinites, returning their absentee ballot will be limited.

That's because dozens of municipalities are prohibiting voters from using drop boxes in the November election after a state Supreme Court decision reinstating them.

In 2020, all but six of Wisconsin's 72 counties used ballot drop boxes, but since then they've become a political issue over security concerns and unfounded claims of widespread fraud.

On Tuesday, voting rights advocates gathered outside Brookfield City Hall urging local clerks to keep drop boxes open and available this fall. Brookfield was one of the first to prohibit them. Then, a series of other municipalities followed suit.

"We set the precedent of rolling back a viable, secure manner for residents to return their ballot," said Brookfield Alderman Mike Hallquist. "That is stunning to me."

Advocates stressed how drop boxes are a convenient way of voting, especially for individuals with disabilities who often rely on a loved one to return their ballot.

"Eliminating drop boxes is simply cruel, and most likely a partisan move to deny this population the right and human dignity to vote," said Julie Burish, Brookfield resident who's caring for a child with a disability.

CBS 58 has confirmed more than a dozen municipalities who have opted out, including six municipalities in Milwaukee County, three in Waukesha, the city of Kenosha, and all of Dodge County.

All Voting is Local, a nonprofit advocacy group, said they've tracked more than 60 municipalities across the state banning drop boxes; nearly 40 of those communities are within Dodge County.

In wake of the state's high court decision legalizing unmanned ballot drop boxes again, clerks have the authority to utilize them or not.

Kenosha and other municipalities who've prohibited them say they're planning on extending in-person absentee voting, including weekend hours. That option will become available on Oct. 22, two weeks prior to the Nov. 5 election.

Check with your local clerk to learn more about in-person absentee hours and availability.

GOP Promotes Early Vote Despite Fewer Options

The patchwork across the state opting in or out of drop boxes comes as many prominent Republicans are actively trying to persuade voters to cast their ballots before Election Day.

Brian Schimming, chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson and Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley and many others are strongly encouraging their base to vote early.

JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, has also promoted the practice, however former President Donald Trump continues to send conflicting messages about it.

Talking to supporters in Pennsylvania Tuesday, Trump advocated for early voting, then called it "stupid."

"We got to get out and vote and you can start right away," Trump said. "You know that right now we have this stupid stuff where you can vote 45 days early."

Democrats have criticized Trump's rhetoric and say it further sows distrust in elections. Since the 2020 presidential election, election officials have faced increased harassment, threats and a more hostile environment.