The Wisconsin Supreme Court made a significant ruling on Friday, allowing officials to place ballot drop boxes around their communities for the upcoming fall elections. This decision overturned a previous ruling from two years ago that limited the use of drop boxes in the state, specifically stating that they could only be placed in local election clerks’ offices and that only the voter themselves could return a ballot in person.
The initial ruling restricting drop boxes was made in July 2022 when conservatives controlled the court. However, following Janet Protasiewicz’s election victory in April 2023, the court shifted to liberal control. This change in composition presented an opportunity for Priorities USA, a progressive voter mobilization group, to request a reconsideration of the decision in February.
The decision to allow ballot drop boxes in Wisconsin could have a significant impact on the upcoming presidential race, as the state is considered a crucial swing state. With President Biden narrowly winning the state in 2020 and Donald Trump securing a narrow victory in 2016, both parties are closely watching developments that could affect voter turnout.
According to the U.S. Vote Foundation, at least 29 other states already allow for the use of absentee ballot drop boxes. The expansion of their use in Wisconsin has the potential to influence voter participation and ultimately the outcome of the presidential election.
In March, the Wisconsin Supreme Court announced that they would review the ban on drop boxes, but would not consider any other aspects of the case. This decision sparked criticism from conservative members of the court, who accused the liberal justices of attempting to give Democrats an unfair advantage in the upcoming elections. Democratic Governor Tony Evers also voiced his support for the reinstatement of drop boxes in April.
The court’s ruling on Friday, with a 4-3 majority in favor of allowing drop boxes in any location, was met with both support and dissent. Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, writing for the majority, argued that placing a ballot in a drop box overseen by a local election clerk is no different than submitting it directly to the clerk. She emphasized the discretion that local clerks have in administering elections, including the use and placement of drop boxes.
On the other hand, the three conservative justices dissented, with Justice Rebecca Bradley accusing the liberal justices of prioritizing political motives over legal precedent. She criticized the decision to overturn the 2022 ruling, stating that it was politically motivated rather than legally justified.
The use of absentee ballots and drop boxes saw a significant increase during the 2020 presidential election, with over 40% of all voters opting for mail-in ballots. More than 500 drop boxes were utilized in over 430 communities across Wisconsin, including prominent cities like Madison and Milwaukee. Despite allegations from former President Trump and Republicans of potential fraud associated with drop boxes, there has been no concrete evidence to support these claims.
Overall, the decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court to allow the placement of ballot drop boxes in various locations across the state has the potential to impact voter turnout and the outcome of the upcoming fall elections. The debate surrounding the use of drop boxes continues to be a contentious issue, with both sides presenting arguments about the security and integrity of the voting process. As the presidential race heats up, the use of drop boxes in Wisconsin will be closely monitored by politicians, election officials, and voters alike.
