Wausau Mayor Doug Diny’s removal of a ballot drop box outside City Hall sparks controversy and prompts an investigation.
At a Glance
- Mayor Doug Diny removed a ballot drop box from outside Wausau City Hall, claiming security concerns.
- The incident has led to an investigation request by the Marathon County District Attorney.
- Governor Tony Evers and local residents have criticized the removal, citing concerns about voter accessibility.
- The controversy highlights ongoing debates in Wisconsin about absentee ballot drop boxes.
Mayor’s Actions Spark Outrage and Investigation
In a move that has ignited controversy in Wausau, Wisconsin, Mayor Doug Diny took it upon himself to remove an official voting drop box from outside City Hall. The action, which was captured on surveillance footage and shared on social media, has led to significant backlash and calls for an investigation. Marathon County District Attorney Theresa Wetzsteon is seeking assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Justice to examine the case.
Mayor Diny, who was elected following a Republican-backed campaign opposing absentee ballot drop boxes, defended his actions as routine maintenance. He claimed the box was not properly secured, stating, “You would think bolting it to the ground would be an appropriate thing before we send ballots out that says it’s ready to go.” However, this explanation has not quelled the growing controversy.
Wausau Mayor Doug Diny’s decision to remove a ballot drop box from the front of city hall sparked Madison organizations to ask for an investigation. https://t.co/lNBMNauNlH
— WMTV 15 News (@wmtv15news) September 26, 2024
Legal and Political Implications
The removal of the drop box has raised serious questions about the legality of Mayor Diny’s actions. In Wisconsin, it is a felony to impede or prevent the free exercise of the franchise at an election. The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled in July that drop boxes are legal, but left the decision to use them up to local communities. Furthermore, the Wisconsin Elections Commission updated its guidance, stating that the use of drop boxes is at the discretion of municipal clerks, not mayors.
“The District Attorney’s Office is requesting an official investigation into this matter and has requested the assistance of the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigations. I am awaiting the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s decision on that request for investigation,” Marathon County District Attorney Theresa Wetzsteon said in a statement.
City Clerk Kaitlyn Bernarde reported the incident as an election irregularity to both the Marathon County District Attorney and the Wisconsin Elections Commission. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has condemned the act, calling it illegal and a violation of state election law and public officials’ code of ethics.
Public Reaction and Voter Accessibility Concerns
The removal of the drop box has sparked protests from local residents who argue that it undermines elections and voter accessibility. Nancy Stencil, a concerned citizen, expressed her disapproval: “I feel it undermines our elections. It undermines the voters. It’s not giving people a chance to have an accessible way of voting.”
Governor Tony Evers also weighed in on the controversy, stating on social media, “This is wrong. Drop box voting is safe, secure, and legal. As elected officials, we should be working to make it easier—not harder—for every eligible Wisconsinite to cast their ballot. That’s democracy. This drop box should be restored immediately.”
The incident has attracted both local and national attention, highlighting the ongoing debates in Wisconsin concerning the administration and legal status of absentee ballot drop boxes. As a key battleground state for the upcoming presidential election, the controversy in Wausau underscores the importance of ensuring fair and accessible voting processes for all eligible citizens.
