In a strategic political move, Wisconsin's Waukesha County responds to a Supreme Court ruling.
In recent decisions, city councils in Brookfield and New Berlin have elected to eliminate ballot drop boxes, the New York Post reported.
Following the Wisconsin Supreme State Court's July ruling, these municipalities now have the option to determine the utilization of ballot drop boxes on a local level. The Court's decision grants city clerks the authority to use their discretion concerning drop boxes, leading to a variety of responses across the state.
In Brookfield, the city council's decision was influenced by the diminished threat of COVID-19, which they argue reduces the need for such alternative voting methods. Jenna Merten, Brookfield City Attorney, highlighted that the present health climate does not necessitate the same measures as were required at the pandemic's peak.
To accommodate voters, Brookfield has adjusted its services, extending in-person absentee voting hours and maintaining a drive-up ballot drop-off for those with disabilities.
City officials in both Brookfield and New Berlin assert that eliminating drop boxes will conserve resources and enhance election security. They argue that logistical and security concerns justify their recent ballot box decisions, reflecting a broader statewide discourse on the appropriate methods for conducting secure and efficient elections.
Nick Ramos, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, disagrees with these municipalities' decisions. He advocates for the availability of drop boxes, emphasizing their importance for voters who rely on these facilities for more accessible voting options.
Nick Ramos expressed his frustration:
They are a means to being able to help people that need them, like the elderly, the disabled, the single parents... People are looking to be able to use the drop boxes and they’re not using them in nefarious ways.
The ongoing discussion in Wisconsin also touches on potential future legislation that could mandate continuous video surveillance of all operational ballot drop boxes, aiming to address security concerns raised by critics.
In addition, Justice Ann Walsh Bradley of the Wisconsin Supreme Court emphasized the flexible nature of the recent ruling, clarifying that it neither imposes nor denies the use of drop boxes but simply allows local clerks to decide their utility and implementation.
Despite the current bans, Brookfield's city officials have indicated that they might revisit their stance on ballot drop boxes under different circumstances, such as a new pandemic, changes in the availability of poll workers, or further court decisions.
Furthermore, the banning of ballot drop boxes by Brookfield and New Berlin represents only part of a larger statewide conversation on how to best conduct elections in the post-COVID era. This conversation blends issues of public health, election security, and voter accessibility into a complex debate with varied opinions and potential implications for future electoral processes in Wisconsin.
In conclusion, while some view the removal of ballot drop boxes as a step back for voter accessibility, others see it as a necessary adjustment to ensure election security and efficient use of resources in a changing health and political landscape. As legislative discussions continue, the balance between voter facilitation and security remains a key factor in decisions related to electoral methods in Wisconsin.
