MILWAUKEE – After a two-year hiatus, mail-in ballot drop boxes will be set up again this election season.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court severely restricted their use in 2022, saying they could only be placed in poll workers’ offices, but last month’s ruling changed that, allowing local poll workers to place them anywhere they see fit.
“People are using it very slowly but steadily,” said Sandi Wesolowski, city clerk of South Milwaukee.
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Wesolowski explained that the city’s team is currently working in pairs and checking the mailbox twice a day.
“It’s been a very smooth process. A lot of people have said they’re glad it’s back,” Wesolowski added. “We believe it’s a benefit to residents who either don’t want to return their ballot by mail, can’t vote in person or can’t come in during our normal office hours.”
In Milwaukee, about a dozen drop boxes are back in operation, and election officials say they’re receiving a “steady stream” of ballots.
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However, not every municipality has the option of providing mailboxes for voters. The court ruling does not oblige a municipality to offer such mailboxes.
Cities that do not have ballot drop boxes include Mequon, Menomonee Falls and New Berlin.
Watch: Local officials report voters using mail-in ballots for primary elections
Local officials report that voters are using mail-in ballots for primary elections.
Wesolowski explained that South Milwaukee uses best practices in operating its single mailbox in the municipal building. Those practices include 24-hour video monitoring of the mailbox, using a unique key system and locking ballots away in a cordoned off area.
Given the lower voter turnout in the primary election and the timing of the court’s decision, several court clerks told TMJ4 News they expect a higher number of voters using the drop boxes in November.
Mailboxes will still be open on Tuesday to collect ballots, but each municipality handles this differently, so you should check with your local registry office.
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