In an unfolding drama in Wausau, Wisconsin, the local political landscape has been shaken by a contentious decision that raises serious questions about election integrity.
The backdrop to this story is a recent ruling from the Wisconsin Supreme Court that allowed cities to use ballot drop boxes for the upcoming elections—a decision that was hotly debated and ultimately came down to a narrow 4-3 vote.
With the political pendulum swinging, the court’s ruling now stands in stark contrast to the actions of Wausau’s Republican mayor, Doug Dinney.
In 2022, under a conservative majority, the state Supreme Court had banned drop boxes, but the tide turned in 2023 when liberals regained control.
Fast forward to 2024, and the court ruled in favor of allowing cities to implement drop boxes, leaving the choice up to local election clerks.
Enter Kaitlyn Bernard, Wausau’s city clerk, who decided to embrace this new ruling by preparing to install a drop box outside city hall.
However, just as anticipation built, the drop box mysteriously disappeared.
In a bizarre twist, Mayor Dinney donned a hard hat and a public works jacket, wheeling the drop box away himself.
Claiming he wanted to make a statement about the clarity of the Supreme Court’s ruling, Dinney’s actions have sparked outrage among residents.
He argued that the city council should have the final say on whether or not to use the drop box, despite the fact that the power clearly lay with the election clerk.
Dinney’s stance is perplexing, especially considering that the state Supreme Court had unequivocally ruled that drop boxes were legal.
The mayor’s belief that the city does not need a drop box does not hold water, as the clerk had already notified residents about its availability when she mailed out 4,000 ballots just days prior.
This unilateral decision to remove the drop box has left many voters confused and concerned about their rights.
Local residents have voiced their frustration, with one woman stating that Dinney’s actions undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
She lamented the shift from a former mayor who championed accessible voting to one who appears to be obstructing it.
Another resident expressed a deep sense of disenfranchisement, feeling that their voices are being silenced by the mayor’s actions.
The situation has not gone unnoticed by law enforcement.
The Marathon County District Attorney, a Democrat, announced an investigation into Dinney’s actions and has sought assistance from the State Department of Justice.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Attorney General, Josh Kahl, is still deliberating whether his office will lend support in this matter.
Despite the mounting backlash, Mayor Dinney remains defiant, insisting he acted within the law.
His belief that he did nothing wrong raises eyebrows, particularly since his actions directly contradict the Supreme Court’s ruling.
One can only imagine the consequences if an ordinary citizen were to walk into a store and claim the right to take money from the register based solely on personal belief.
This incident is part of a larger narrative within the Republican Party, where some officials seem to operate in an alternate reality, choosing to reject established laws and court rulings.
The implications of Dinney’s actions extend beyond Wausau, potentially disenfranchising thousands of voters who were prepared to utilize the drop box.
As the political climate heats up, the specter of Donald Trump’s influence looms large.
His persistent claims of election fraud during the 2020 election have set a dangerous precedent, fostering a culture of mistrust that could impact future elections.
In this environment, the stakes are high, and the integrity of democracy hangs in the balance.
Mark Elias, a prominent election law expert, recently pointed out that regardless of the outcome in the 2024 elections, Trump will likely declare victory in states he wins while alleging fraud in those he loses.
This pattern of behavior not only threatens the democratic process but also undermines the very foundation of fair elections.
As Wausau grapples with the fallout from Mayor Dinney’s controversial decision, the hope remains that justice will prevail.
It is crucial that elected officials understand their roles and responsibilities in upholding democracy.
The law must be upheld, and the voices of the people must be heard, free from partisan interference.
The situation serves as a stark reminder that democracy is fragile and requires vigilance to protect.
As citizens, we cannot allow the whims of a few to dictate the rights of many.
The rule of law must prevail, ensuring that every vote counts and that the democratic process remains intact for generations to come.
