Wisconsin Supreme Court Hears Arguments Regarding Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes

Friday, April 15th, 2022 -- 9:00 AM

(WRN) There were some pointed questions to the head of the group arguing against absentee ballot drop boxes from members of the State Supreme Court.

During oral arguments on Wednesday, Justice Brian Hagedorn tried to figure out where the preferred limits were from Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty president Rick Esenberg.

HAGEDORN: "Imagine a mail slot connected to the clerk's office, but the staff is not there. So, whenever the buildings open, you can walk in, can you drop a ballot in that slot that goes directly to the clerk's office is that okay?" ESENBERG: "At this point, we are now outside the presence of the clerk."

Hagedorn tried to find the outer limits on that usage from Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty president Rick Esenberg. "Inside the clerk's office staff during business hours, free-standing dropbox. Clerk says 'Alright, looks good. Go ahead and put your ballot in there.' Is that okay?"

Justice Rebecca Dallet asked WILL president Rick Esenberg about other ways to deliver a ballot directly to a clerk. "Why can't I hand it to my municipal clerk as I see them walking down the street in a small town? Oh, I meant to mail my ballot. I see you, I'm gonna hand you my ballot."

Voting and disability rights advocates say that restrictions on who can help someone deliver a ballot will disenfranchise disabled and elderly voters. A decision is expected this summer before the fall election season.

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