Exciting news came out of the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Friday as the new liberal majority ruled in favor of allowing the widespread use of ballot drop boxes in the state. This decision marks a significant shift from a ruling issued two years ago when the court was predominantly conservative.
For a state as closely divided as Wisconsin, this ruling will have a direct impact on the upcoming election in just four months. Beyond the practical implications, this judicial change of heart is likely to further ignite claims of partisanship within the court, with Republicans criticizing the shift in ideology.
Drop boxes have been a longstanding method for Wisconsin voters to submit their ballots prior to Election Day, alongside options like early in-person and mail-in voting. The court’s decision to allow their use once again affirms the discretion granted to municipal clerks under Wisconsin law.
Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, speaking for the majority, emphasized that the ruling does not mandate drop box usage but rather recognizes the authority of clerks to utilize them securely. On the opposite end, Justice Rebecca Bradley dissented, arguing that the majority’s decision was politically motivated.
This ruling is part of a broader trend of Democrats and progressive groups seeking to influence Wisconsin’s Supreme Court on key policy issues. With a liberal majority in place, the court has already ordered redistricting and is set to consider issues like abortion rights, signaling a shift from past conservative rulings.
In recent years, the court has played a crucial role in shaping Wisconsin’s political landscape, with past conservative majorities upholding policies that favored Republicans. However, with the current ideological shift, the court is now seen as a champion for voting rights and progressive values.
The response to the ballot drop box ruling has been largely positive, with Governor Tony Evers calling it a victory for democracy. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway also expressed her approval, highlighting the court’s newfound focus on expanding voting rights.
While Wisconsin’s Supreme Court is officially nonpartisan, the recent ideological realignment has brought its political leanings into sharper focus. With upcoming elections potentially changing the court’s composition once again, the landscape of Wisconsin’s judiciary remains dynamic and politically charged.
