Wausau Citizens File Ethics Complaint Against Mayor Doug Diny Over Ballot Drop Box Interference

WAUSAU, WI – Eight Wausau citizens have filed a formal ethics complaint against Mayor Doug Diny with the City of Wausau Ethics Board, alleging improper conduct in his handling of a ballot drop box during the week of September 23, 2024. The complaint raises serious concerns about potential violations of local ethics codes and federal voting rights laws.

The complaint alleges that Mayor Diny exceeded his authority by removing a ballot drop box authorized by City Clerk Kaitlyn Bernarde, who is legally responsible for overseeing election-related decisions under Wisconsin law. By removing the drop box, Mayor Diny effectively prevented eligible voters from using it for approximately a week during a critical period leading up to the election.

Despite being advised by City Attorney Ann Jacobson that the decision to deploy and manage ballot drop boxes lies solely with the municipal clerk, Mayor Diny allegedly forced the removal of the drop box from its location in front of City Hall.

In addition to removing the drop box, the complaint alleges that Mayor Diny attempted to pressure the municipal clerk into drafting a resolution to ban ballot drop boxes entirely and spoke out of turn at a Common Council meeting on September 23, 2024, in an effort to undermine their use.

The citizens’ complaint cites section 2.03.030(j) of Wausau’s ethics code, which prohibits officials from using their positions to act beyond their lawful authority. Furthermore, the complaint references potential violations of federal laws, including those prohibiting interference with voting rights and election processes.

“Acting under the color of law to prevent citizens from voting is not just unethical—it’s a crime,” the complaint states. “By preventing the use of a secure drop box during a critical voting period, Mayor Diny deprived voters of their ability to participate in the democratic process.”

The citizens filing the complaint express deep concern over the implications of Mayor Diny’s actions, highlighting that such interference undermines public confidence in secure voting systems and could intimidate voters.

The group has called on the Wausau Ethics Board to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure accountability. “If an elected official is willing to tamper with a secure drop box once, how can we trust they won’t do it again?” the complaint concludes.

A copy of the citizens’ formal complaint letter is attached here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.