The Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) recently revealed that they possess photographic evidence of what they allege is illegal ballot harvesting occurring at a drop box located outside Milwaukee City Hall. An eyewitness reportedly captured images of an individual depositing a large quantity of absentee ballots into the drop box before fleeing upon realizing they were being filmed. CPAC’s Chairman, Matt Schlapp, emphasized the importance of ensuring free and fair elections, and in light of these allegations, he announced that CPAC has formally filed a complaint with the Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC) as well as reported the incident to local law enforcement. This incident points to potential violations of Wisconsin’s voting laws, as ballot harvesting is illegal in the state.
According to the witness’s statement cited by CPAC, the incident occurred on October 25, 2024. The witness described observing a suspicious individual who appeared to be depositing absentee ballots into the drop box. The account details that the witness was seated in their vehicle with a child at approximately 7:55 PM when the incident unfolded. The person in question reportedly approached the drop box carrying two bags, one of which was a large green bag believed to contain numerous absentee ballots. The witness estimated that the green bag could hold anywhere from 50 to 500 ballots, raising concerns over the legitimacy of the voting process, especially given that state law requires electors to personally deliver their absentee ballots unless they are disabled.
As described by the witness, the individual accessed the green bag several times, removing its contents and placing them into the drop box. Following the act, the person allegedly folded the empty bag and placed it into a drawstring backpack before quickly fleeing upon noticing they were being recorded. This behavior raises alarms about the integrity of the election process and whether there has been an attempt to engage in ballot trafficking—a serious allegation that contradicts the principles of a fair voting system.
In his commitment to protecting election integrity, Schlapp has urged both the Wisconsin Election Commission and local law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations. The swift action by CPAC to report the incident reflects a broader concern among various political groups about potential fraud or corruption in the electoral process. This incident is becoming part of a more significant narrative surrounding the legitimacy of mail-in voting and absentee ballot practices, which have faced scrutiny and debate in recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic when such voting methods became more prevalent.
Furthermore, the importance of this matter is underscored by the implications it has for future elections in Wisconsin and beyond. There is a growing skepticism regarding mail-in voting, with critics arguing that the system can be exploited if not adequately monitored. The claims made by CPAC, whether substantiated or not, spotlight the persistent vulnerabilities in the electoral process, urging voters and officials alike to remain vigilant against potential malpractices. The issue of ballot drop boxes, which have been the focal point of criticism from various factions, adds complexity to an already contentious conversation about voting rights and election security.
As CPAC and various stakeholders continue to follow the developments of this story, the outcome of the investigation by the Wisconsin Election Commission and law enforcement may have significant ramifications on public trust in the electoral system of the state. How this situation is handled will ultimately contribute to the broader discourse surrounding election integrity in the United States, with potential ripple effects felt across the nation as states grapple with the challenges posed by new voting technologies and the evolving landscape of voter engagement.
