Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes Now Open in the City of Madison

For Immediate Release

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announced Tuesday that the City’s 14 absentee ballot drop boxes have all been unlocked and are ready to receive completed absentee ballots for the August primary. 

“I want to thank the State Supreme Court for recognizing that drop boxes are a safe and secure method of voting in Wisconsin,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway at an Aug. 6 press conference. “We want to make sure that every eligible voter who wants to vote in the August primary and the November general election is able to do so.” 

Joining the Mayor at the press conference were Deputy Clerk Jim Verbick, Lisa Hassenstab and Anna Anderson from Disability Rights Wisconsin, and Sam Liebert from All Voting is Local. 

"Today, marks an important milestone, not just for Wisconsin, but for the City of Madison. The return of drop boxes is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to ensure that every citizen has a secure and accessible way to participate in our democracy," said Liebert. "Wisconsin's 1,800 election clerks serve communities both large and small. They understand the unique needs of voters and they know that drop boxes are an invaluable tool in making voting more accessible, especially in our rural areas, where distances and limited hours can pose significant challenges."

Anderson said the return of drop boxes is especially important for people with disabilities. 

"For some voters with disabilities, voting absentee is their only option to cast a ballot," said Anderson. "Drop boxes help voters with disabilities have an equal opportunity to return their ballot in a safe and secure way."

Absentee ballot drop boxes were critical for many residents to safely vote during the pandemic. Today, Madison reinstated this commonsense option to provide more accessibility to the ballot. 

“In Madison, removing barriers that prevent people from voting is one of the essential services our city government provides to its residents,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway. “Just like public safety, trash collection, and snow plowing — administering a fair and secure election isn’t about partisan politics. It’s about believing in our democracy and making sure everyone can participate.”  

With just one week before the August primary, the newly opened drop boxes allow voters to avoid delays associated with mailing back an absentee ballot. The U.S Postal Service recommends mailing back your ballot no later than one week prior to an election. In order for your ballot to be counted, it must arrive at the Clerk’s Office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. 

“Voters can ensure their absentee ballot is counted by using the drop boxes up until the Monday before the election,” instructed Madison Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl. “The absentee ballot drop boxes are located across the city outside Madison fire stations and at the Elver Park shelter. Staff from the Clerk’s Office collect absentee ballots daily and they are processed promptly.”

Additionally, there’s a QR code on every drop box that allows voters to track their absentee ballot via the myvote.wi.gov website. 

The Clerk’s Office is also hosting early voting opportunities throughout the community now through August 11. You can also bring an absentee ballot to your polling place on Election Day. If you have moved recently or need to register to vote, you can do so at the City’s in-person absentee voting events up until Friday, August 9. Your last opportunity to register to vote is at your polling place on Election Day. Remember to bring a valid Wisconsin ID and proof of address. You can find your polling place at myvote.wi.gov.