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A Wisconsin district lawyer stated Thursday that her workplace is pursuing an investigation into the elimination of an absentee poll drop field by the mayor of Wausau.
Mayor Doug Diny eliminated the drop field, situated outdoors of Metropolis Corridor, on Sunday and distributed an image of himself doing it whereas sporting employee’s gloves and a tough hat. Diny is a conservative opponent to drop bins. He insists he did nothing improper.
The drop field was locked, and no ballots had been in it. The town clerk notified Marathon County District Lawyer Theresa Wetzsteon, and he or she stated in an e mail on Thursday that she is requesting an official investigation with the help of the Wisconsin Division of Justice.
Wetzsteon stated she was ready to listen to again from DOJ on her request.
A spokesperson for DOJ didn’t instantly return a message Thursday.
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers weighed in on Thursday, calling the elimination of the drop field “improper.” Evers stated it needs to be restored “instantly”:
“Drop field voting is protected, safe, and authorized,” Evers posted on the social media platform X. “As elected officers, we needs to be working to make it simpler—not tougher—for each eligible Wisconsinite to solid their poll. That’s democracy.”
The incident is the newest instance in swing state Wisconsin of the battle over whether or not communities will enable absentee poll drop bins. The Wisconsin Supreme Court docket in July dominated that drop bins are authorized, however left it as much as native communities to determine whether or not to make use of them.
Wisconsin Watch is a nonprofit and nonpartisan newsroom. Subscribe to our publication to get our investigative tales and Friday information roundup. This story is revealed in partnership with The Related Press.
