Wisconsin Cities Vote to Ban Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes

In a significant move, the city councils of Brookfield and New Berlin in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, have voted against the use of absentee ballot drop boxes for the upcoming presidential election, despite a recent Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that reinstated the right for municipalities to utilize them. Brookfield's decision was justified by the city attorney, who argued that drop boxes are no longer necessary due to improved public health conditions post-COVID and the availability of other voting methods. Critics, including local election advocates, contend that this decision undermines voter accessibility, particularly for those who rely on drop boxes, such as the elderly and disabled. The politicization of drop box usage has intensified since their increased adoption during the pandemic, with debates centering on election security and voter convenience. The Wisconsin Elections Commission has issued guidance for drop box usage, emphasizing safety and accessibility, yet local councils have opted to restrict these options. The contrasting views highlight ongoing tensions surrounding voting methods in Wisconsin's electoral landscape.