Donate
Search wpr.org
WPR Suncatcher promotion: While supplies last... WPR Suncatcher with your donation of any amount. Includes a Give Now button and an image of a Wisconsin Public Radio ornament.

Wisconsin Supreme Court disallows absentee ballot drop boxes

Decision seen as a blow to Democrats

By
A woman drops off a mail-in ballot at a drop box
In this July 7, 2020, file photo a woman wearing gloves drops off a mail-in ballot at a drop box in Hackensack, N.J. Seth Wenig/AP Photo

Wisconsin’s conservative-controlled Supreme Court has ruled that absentee ballot drop boxes may be placed only in election offices, dealing critical defeats to Democrats in the battleground state.

The court did not address in its Friday ruling whether anyone other than the voter can return his or her own ballot by mail.

Election officials and others argued that drop boxes are a secure and convenient way for voters to return ballots.

News with a little more humanity

WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” newsletter keeps you connected to the state you love without feeling overwhelmed. No paywall. No agenda. No corporate filter.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

The decision sets absentee ballot rules for the August 9 primary and the fall election.

Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers are seeking reelection in key races.

Graphic urging support for Wisconsin Public Radio with a goal of 2,000 donations by December 16, featuring people icons and Support WPR button.

© Copyright 2025 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Related Stories