Why We Vote Ep. 120: The MESA Act, Machine Corruption & How We Take Our Elections Back

In a powerhouse episode of Why We Vote, CannCon and Ashe in America are joined by Col. Conrad Reynolds and Will Huff to break down the Make Elections Secure Again (MESA) Act. The federal legislation crafted in partnership with Rep. Pete Sessions that could finally bring hand-marked, hand-counted paper ballots back to American elections. The guests detail how electronic voting machines are vulnerable by design, how barcodes and ballot-marking devices subvert voter intent, and why no system relying on proprietary tech can ever be truly trusted.

They recount their uphill battle to reform elections in Arkansas, where bipartisan public support for paper ballots has been met with fierce resistance from entrenched interests, election tech vendors, state officials, and powerful lobby groups. From illegal threats against local officials to grassroots wins like Searcy and Independence Counties, Col. Reynolds and Huff outline both the fight and the path forward.

The conversation also explores the MESA Act’s enforcement teeth, including replacing the Election Assistance Commission with a new oversight body, criminal penalties for noncompliance, and revoking funding for states that don’t meet federal security standards. Plus: Tulsi Gabbard’s explosive DNI statements, the failure of election judges to ensure vote verification, and why both parties may fear what true election integrity could expose.

If you want to understand how elections are really manipulated, and what it will take to fix them, this episode is for you.