Wausau Mayor Doug Diny sparks controversy by removing ballot drop box, prompting investigation and public outcry.
At a Glance
- Mayor Doug Diny removed a ballot drop box from outside Wausau City Hall, citing security concerns.
- The removal has sparked controversy and protests from residents concerned about voter accessibility.
- Marathon County District Attorney has requested an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
- Governor Tony Evers criticized the removal, emphasizing the importance of accessible voting.
- The incident highlights ongoing debates in Wisconsin regarding absentee ballot drop boxes.
Mayor’s Controversial Action Ignites Debate
In a move that has ignited controversy in Wausau, Wisconsin, Mayor Doug Diny took matters into his own hands by removing a ballot drop box from outside City Hall. The incident, which was captured on surveillance footage, has raised questions about the legality and implications of the mayor’s actions. Diny, who was elected on a platform opposing absentee ballot drop boxes, justified the removal by citing security concerns, stating that the box wasn’t properly secured.
The removal of the drop box has not gone unnoticed, with residents and officials alike expressing concern over its impact on voter accessibility. Nancy Stencil, a local resident, voiced her opposition to the mayor’s actions, stating, “I feel it undermines our elections. It undermines the voters. It’s not giving people a chance to have an accessible way of voting.” The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing debate surrounding absentee voting methods in Wisconsin, a key battleground state for the upcoming presidential election.
Official Investigation Underway
In response to the controversial removal, Marathon County District Attorney Theresa Wetzsteon has called for an official investigation into the matter. In a statement, Wetzsteon announced, “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.”
The potential legal ramifications of Mayor Diny’s actions remain unclear. Wisconsin law states that it is a felony to impede or prevent the free exercise of the franchise at an election. However, the specifics of how this law might apply to the removal of a ballot drop box are yet to be determined.
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
Statewide Implications and Political Reactions
The incident in Wausau has drawn attention from state officials, including Governor Tony Evers, who criticized the removal on social media. Evers emphasized the importance of accessible voting, stating, “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.” The governor’s comments highlight the broader implications of the incident for voting rights and accessibility across Wisconsin.
“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,” he said.
The controversy surrounding the ballot drop box removal in Wausau reflects the ongoing national debate over voting methods and election security. Republicans, led by former President Trump, have pushed conspiracy theories about voter fraud involving drop boxes since the 2020 election. This incident serves as a microcosm of the larger political divide over election administration and voter access.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Voter Access
As the investigation into Mayor Diny’s actions unfolds, the incident raises important questions about the balance between election security and voter accessibility. The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled in July that drop boxes are legal, but left the decision to use them up to local communities. This ruling, combined with the Wausau controversy, underscores the need for clear guidelines and protocols regarding the use and maintenance of ballot drop boxes.
The outcome of this incident could have far-reaching implications for voter access and election administration in Wisconsin and potentially beyond. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the debate over absentee voting methods is likely to intensify, making the resolution of the Wausau controversy all the more significant for voters and election officials alike.
