Wisconsin Slashes Drop Boxes by 84%: ‘This is How Elections Get Stolen!’

In a dramatic shift ahead of the 2024 election, Wisconsin has reduced the number of ballot drop boxes in use across the state by a staggering 84%, from 500 in the 2020 presidential election to just 78, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission. The sharp reduction has sparked widespread debate, with critics claiming this move could suppress voter turnout and potentially alter the course of the election.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission confirmed the drastic reduction in drop boxes during a recent statement, citing legal changes and ongoing disputes over their usage. The decision comes in the wake of court rulings and political pressure from groups advocating for stricter election security measures.

Legal Battles and Political Influence

The reduction of drop boxes follows a series of legal battles that have centered on the role of drop boxes in election security. During the 2020 election, drop boxes were seen as a vital tool to accommodate voters amid the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for those who opted for mail-in ballots.

However, in recent months, Wisconsin courts have ruled against the widespread use of drop boxes, claiming they do not comply with state law. The ruling, backed by Republican lawmakers, has significantly curtailed their availability, leading to the drastic decrease for the upcoming election cycle.

“We are following court decisions that limit the number of drop boxes in accordance with state law,” an official from the Wisconsin Elections Commission said. “This reduction is a necessary step to ensure the integrity of our election process.”

Criticism and Concerns Over Voter Access

The dramatic drop in available drop boxes has triggered a wave of criticism from voting rights advocates and Democratic leaders, who argue the move could disenfranchise voters—especially in rural areas and urban centers where access to polling locations may be limited.

“This is a blatant attempt at voter suppression,” one voting rights advocate said. “Reducing the number of drop boxes by this much in such a critical swing state is an attack on democracy. Wisconsin voters deserve better than this.”

Many fear that the significant reduction in drop boxes could lead to long lines at polling locations and create difficulties for those who rely on absentee voting, particularly elderly voters and individuals with limited mobility.

A Pivotal Battleground State

As one of the key swing states in the 2024 election, Wisconsin is under intense scrutiny. In 2020, Joe Biden narrowly won the state by a margin of less than 21,000 votes, making every ballot critical in the upcoming race. Political analysts believe the reduction in drop boxes could have a tangible effect on the outcome of the election.

Republicans, however, argue that reducing drop boxes is necessary to combat potential fraud and to uphold the integrity of the election process. The sharp reduction in drop boxes is being seen as a victory by conservative groups that have long questioned the security of drop boxes.

The Road Ahead

With just 78 drop boxes remaining statewide, the issue of voter access is likely to become a focal point as Wisconsin heads toward the 2024 election. Voting rights groups are expected to challenge the reduction in court, but with the ruling already in place, the likelihood of reinstating additional drop boxes appears slim.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission has stated that voters will still have access to other forms of voting, including absentee ballots by mail and in-person voting on election day.