In this photo provided by Wausau Mayor Doug Diny, Diny...

In this photo provided by Wausau Mayor Doug Diny, Diny uses a dolly to remove the city's lone drop box from in front of City Hall in Wausau, Wis., on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Credit: AP

MADISON, Wis. — A Wisconsin district attorney said Thursday that her office is pursuing an investigation into the removal of an absentee ballot drop box by the mayor of Wausau.

Mayor Doug Diny removed the drop box, located outside of City Hall, on Sunday and distributed a picture of himself doing it while wearing worker’s gloves and a hard hat. Diny is a conservative opponent to drop boxes. He insists he did nothing wrong.

The drop box was locked and no ballots were in it. The city clerk notified Marathon County District Attorney Theresa Wetzsteon and she said in an email on Thursday that she is requesting an official investigation with the assistance of the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

Wetzsteon said she was waiting to hear back from DOJ on her request.

A spokesperson for DOJ did not immediately return a message Thursday.

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers weighed in on Thursday, calling the removal of the drop box “wrong.” Evers said it should be restored “immediately”:

“Drop box voting is safe, secure, and legal,” Evers posted on the social media platform X. “As elected officials, we should be working to make it easier—not harder—for every eligible Wisconsinite to cast their ballot. That’s democracy."

The incident is the latest example in swing state Wisconsin of the fight over whether communities will allow absentee ballot drop boxes. The Wisconsin Supreme Court in July ruled that drop boxes are legal, but left it up to local communities to decide whether to use them.

From a Long Islander living out his American dream, pioneers in aviation and a school mariachi band, NewsdayTV celebrates Hispanic Herritage Month. Credit: Newsday

Celebrating individuals making an impact  From a Long Islander living out his American dream, pioneers in aviation and a school mariachi band, NewsdayTV celebrates Hispanic Herritage Month.

From a Long Islander living out his American dream, pioneers in aviation and a school mariachi band, NewsdayTV celebrates Hispanic Herritage Month. Credit: Newsday

Celebrating individuals making an impact  From a Long Islander living out his American dream, pioneers in aviation and a school mariachi band, NewsdayTV celebrates Hispanic Herritage Month.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME