**Wausau Mayor Removes Ballot Drop Box Amid Controversy Over Authority**

In a move that has sparked debate and confusion, Wausau’s Republican Mayor, Doug Diny, personally removed a ballot drop box outside City Hall, contending that the City Council should have been consulted before its installation. This action came despite a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that granted authority to the city clerk for such decisions.

Mayor Diny discovered the drop box on Sunday and, feeling that its installation lacked proper endorsement from the City Council, took it upon himself to remove and secure the box in his office. He expressed concerns about the security of the drop box, although he did not provide specific details on how it failed to meet the Wisconsin Elections Commission's guidelines.

City Clerk Kaitlyn Bernarde, the official designated by the state Supreme Court to authorize drop boxes, reported the removal to the Marathon County District Attorney and the Wisconsin Elections Commission, citing state law that mandates clerks report any suspected election irregularities or fraud. Currently, voters are directed to use an alternative box at City Hall typically used for payment collections.

Joe Oslund, a spokesman for the Wisconsin Democratic Party, indicated that there are no immediate plans to file a lawsuit but emphasized the party’s interest in the prompt return of the drop box, hoping that public pressure would urge Mayor Diny to comply.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court's recent ruling had clearly stated that local clerks, not city councils or mayors, hold the authority to install ballot drop boxes. Following this decision, the Wisconsin Elections Commission issued guidance affirming that clerks could independently decide drop box locations.

City Council President Lisa Rasmussen criticized Mayor Diny's actions, stating firmly that elected officials should not interfere with drop boxes, regardless of their personal views. She has called on Mayor Diny to return the box and offer a public apology to the clerk and the community.

Mayor Diny, who took office in April after defeating incumbent Katie Rosenberg in a nonpartisan race, has faced backlash for his controversial decision. The election, while officially nonpartisan, had visible party affiliations, with Diny endorsed by the Wisconsin Republican Party and Rosenberg by the Wisconsin Democratic Party.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission has yet to comment on the legality of Mayor Diny's actions, but it is tasked with reviewing any formal complaints filed on the matter. The situation continues to unfold as the community awaits further developments.