A group of eight people are filing a complaint with the city of Wausau Ethics Board after the removal of the city’s absentee ballot drop box.
In September, Wausau Mayor Doug Diny removed the city’s drop box without agreement from Wausau City Clerk Kaitlyn Bernrade. While the drop box was returned, a letter to the Ethics Board says the group believed Mayor Diny violated a section of the ethics code. They say they’re concerned that Diny’s actions violate federal voting rights, intimidate voters from using secure drop boxes, and undermine the security of those same drop boxes. A ruling in 2024 doesn’t force or require the use of drop boxes. The decision is up to the clerk’s discretion.