The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Friday granted a win to proponents of election integrity by upholding a ban on ballot drop boxes that will go into effect in April 2022.
In a 4-3 vote, the state justices declined to extend a lower court’s order staying the ban on ballot drop boxes, Courthouse News Service reported. Although the rule will not affect March elections, ballot drop boxes will be prohibited in time for the upcoming election on April 5.
“The record before us, including the timetable for making the necessary administrative changes as outlined by the court of appeals, indicates that the Commission can comply with the circuit court’s order so as to ameliorate concerns about voter confusion and election administration before the April 5, 2022 election commences,” states the court order.
The case, Richard Teigen v. Wisconsin Elections Commission, sought to determine the legality of the commission’s guidance to use drop boxes and mail-in ballots.
Friday’s ruling, however, may not be the final word on the matter. Although the justices denied a stay on the lower court’s order, they did so to avoid confusion and provide clarity to voters ahead of the upcoming election.
Following the conclusion of the April election, the courts may revisit the matter.