Wisconsin Sees Major Drop in Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes

Wisconsin is grappling with a significant reduction in absentee ballot drop boxes ahead of the upcoming elections, with only 78 currently available compared to around 500 during the 2020 presidential election. This decline, confirmed by Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe, raises concerns about voter access and turnout, particularly in traditionally Democratic areas like Milwaukee and Madison, which each have 14 drop boxes. Many communities, particularly conservative ones, have opted out of using drop boxes entirely, citing security concerns, while the state Supreme Court has allowed their use but does not mandate their presence. As of now, absentee voting remains steady, with over 267,000 ballots returned, but this is notably lower than the 700,000 returned by the same time in 2020. The legal and political landscape surrounding drop boxes has shifted dramatically, intensifying debates over voting rights and accessibility. Critics argue that the drastic cut in drop boxes could disenfranchise voters, especially as election day approaches.