http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/voting-dropbox-s5.jpgThe Wisconsin Supreme Court is set to hear oral argument on May 13, 2024, in Priorities USA v. WEC, a case that revisits the 2022 decision to ban ballot drop boxes.

MADISON, MILWAUKEE, GREEN BAY, EAU CLAIRE, WAUSAU WI – Voters across Wisconsin joined the Our Vote, Our Ballot Box rallies in favor of reinstating ballot drop boxes as the state Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Priorities USA v. WEC, a case that revisits the 2022 decision to ban ballot drop boxes. Voters mobilized from all across the state to hear from voting rights advocates and other Wisconsinites impacted by the decision.

For years, voters in Wisconsin safely and securely cast their ballots via drop boxes. In 2022, proponents of the Big Lie argued in front of the Wisconsin Supreme Court to eliminate drop boxes, and won. Voting rights groups denounced this decision to suppress voters. No matter where we work or what part of the state we call home, working Wisconsinites should be able to vote easily and safely. Making it harder to vote is out of touch with Wisconsin values.

WHEN: Monday, May 13

WHERE: Wisconsin State Capitol
2 E. Main St, Madison, WI 53703
First Floor (one up from ground level)
9:00AM

Milwaukee Public Library – Central Street Branch
2727 W. Fond Du Lac Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53210
10:30AM

Brown County Courthouse
100 S Jefferson St, Green Bay, WI 54301
Noon

Eau Claire City Hall
203 S Farwell St, Eau Claire, WI 54701
(Courtyard on Farwell)
Noon

Wausau City Hall
407 Grant Street, Wausau, WI 54403
Noon

By hearing Priorities USA v. WEC, the  Wisconsin Supreme Court has the opportunity to reinstate ballot drop boxes following a 2022 decision that outlawed their use across the state. We joined other voting rights advocates in denouncing the 2022 decision, and remain hopeful by the court’s decision to revisit the issue today.

While Wisconsin Democracy Campaign organized today’s statewide tour, this would not have been possible without the amazing support and leadership from SEIU Wisconsin, Working Families Power, Souls to the Polls, Power to the Polls, All Voting is Local Action, ACLU of Wisconsin, the League of Progressive Seniors, For Our Future Wisconsin, Power Up Eau Claire and countless individuals fighting the good fight every single day.

Nick Ramos, Executive Director of Wisconsin Democracy Campaign asserted, “This is what people-power looks like. We have some of the most civically engaged citizens in the nation and they are coming out in droves to show the world how important our drop boxes are to our elections.  Wisconsinites are fed up with politicians using conspiracy theories to implement public policy to starve our democratic institutions. And we won’t stand for it.”

Our democracy is stronger when all voters can cast their ballots. Ballot drop boxes provide a safe and accessible option for our hardworking neighbors to participate in our democratic process.

Brittany Vulich, Wisconsin Campaign Manager with All Voting is Local Action reiterated, “Let’s be clear: drop boxes are secure and maintained by municipal clerks, who work diligently year-round to prepare and administer our elections. Further, there is nothing in Wisconsin’s election laws that prohibits the use of drop boxes.”

Mandela Barnes, President of Power to the Polls remarked, “We all know how hard Wisconsinites work, and we know that sometimes people aren’t able to get away from their jobs, families, or other commitments on Election Day. Ballot drop boxes are a safe and secure way for single parents, working families, health care workers, first responders, and older voters to ensure their voices are heard. No matter which party you support, secure ballot drop boxes will give all registered voters in Wisconsin more ways to participate and safely cast their ballot.”

Jenelle Ludwig Krause, Executive Director of GROWW said, “Farmers may have to work 12 to 14 hour days because they have to take advantage of dry conditions out in the fields. Access to a ballot drop box is the difference between more time in the field, which translates to money in their pocket and food on the table. Farmers can’t afford to waste time away from the farm.”

We should not penalize voters because of their health, age, job, family, or where they live. We will continue to fight voter suppression tactics and organize to ensure voters have many dependable options when casting their ballot. Drop boxes are a safe, reliable, and secure option that strengthen our democracy.