In Wausau, Mayor Doug Diny’s removal of a voting drop box has sparked a major controversy and an investigation by the Marathon County District Attorney.
At a Glance
- Marathon County DA seeks help from Wisconsin Department of Justice to investigate the incident.
- Mayor Doug Diny removed the drop box from City Hall, citing security concerns.
- Residents claim the action undermines elections and voter accessibility.
- The drop box was locked and empty during its removal.
Mayor Diny Cites Security Concerns for Removal
Mayor Doug Diny removed the ballot drop box from outside Wausau’s City Hall, stating the box was unbolted and posed a security risk. The drop box was relocated to Diny’s office. The action, conducted openly and captured on video, has brought significant attention to the handling of absentee ballot drop boxes in Wisconsin.
Despite the box being locked and labeled as closed, County Clerk Kaitlyn Bernarde immediately reported the removal as an election irregularity. Bernarde emphasized the box was not functional at the time and was awaiting securing measures before accepting ballots.
In controversial move, Wausau Mayor Doug Diny removes voter drop box from City Hall. Council President Lisa Rasmussen says he did so even after legal advice against it. Now, she's calling for a public apology. https://t.co/YEKbuIGlgS
— Wausau Pilot (@WausauPilot) September 24, 2024
Investigation by District Attorney
Marathon County District Attorney Theresa Wetzsteon has requested assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Justice to investigate the matter. Wetzsteon’s office is determining if the removal by Mayor Diny broke any state election laws or ethical codes for public officials.
“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 DA Theresa Wetzsteon said in a statement.
Governor Tony Evers and other officials criticized Diny’s actions. Governor Evers took to social media, stating, “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.”
Wisconsin DA pursuing investigation into Wausau mayor's removal of absentee ballot drop box https://t.co/uo3pDSuIKR
— Wisconsin State Journal (@WiStateJournal) September 26, 2024
Public Response and Next Steps
Residents protested the removal, arguing it undermines voter accessibility and the election process. Nancy Stencil, a local resident, stated, “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 Democratic Party of Wisconsin condemned Diny’s actions, calling them illegal and a violation of state election law and ethical codes for public officials. City Council President Rasmussen noted that Diny was advised by the city attorney he did not have the authority to move the box.
It remains unclear whether the mayor will face charges related to this incident. This ongoing investigation underscores the broader and highly contentious discussions about absentee ballot drop boxes ahead of the upcoming presidential election in this key battleground state.
Sources
1. Wausau mayor removes ballot drop box
2. Wisconsin mayor uses dolly to take away absentee ballot drop box, says he did nothing wrong
3. Absentee ballot box removed by Wausau Mayor after being found ‘unsecure’
