America Needs Election Reform

On Wednesday, November 9, 2022, the day after the 2022 midterm elections, Kim Monson examines the unexpected election results with Dr. James Lyons-Weiler, founder of the Institute for Pure and Applied Knowledge and IPAK-EDU. The discussion centers on the urgent need for election reform in America.

Election Reform as the Foundation of Democracy

Start listening at 16:00 – Hour 1

Dr. James Lyons-Weiler argues that election reform must become the central issue for the next presidential campaign. Drawing parallels between everyday transactions and voting, he notes that while grocery store customers receive receipts allowing them to verify their purchases, American voters have no such mechanism to confirm their votes were counted accurately.

Lyons-Weiler emphasizes he is not an “election denialist” but rather a skeptic who recognizes the absence of independent data makes it impossible to verify election outcomes scientifically. He points to powerful technology that could theoretically flip votes without detection and references the Heritage Foundation’s documented cases of election fraud across states.

The discussion expands to include concerns about non-citizen voting and the need to immunize elections against foreign influences. Lyons-Weiler contends that accurate election results transcend partisan politics, arguing both parties should support reforms ensuring only eligible citizens vote.

“Campaign reform, election reform should be the issue for the next presidential election. There is zero doubt in my mind that the Democrats will lose if we succeed in making election reform the issue.”

Dr. James Lyons-Weiler, Founder of IPAK-EDU

The Value of Being Wrong and Intellectual Curiosity

Start listening at 46:00 – Hour 1

Lyons-Weiler pivots to discuss intellectual honesty and the importance of acknowledging errors. He explains that humanity learns nothing of importance without first being wrong, yet modern institutions have created a culture where being wrong is treated as an unforgivable offense rather than a natural part of discovery.

The conversation touches on the six or seven times Lyons-Weiler was fact-checked during COVID, instances where he demonstrated the fact-checkers were incorrect, yet none issued corrections or retractions. He characterizes this behavior as disingenuous and propaganda, contrasting it with authentic discourse that includes willingness to correct errors.

“I don’t know of any time where humanity has learned anything of any importance without first being wrong. That’s the nature of learning.”

Dr. James Lyons-Weiler, Founder of IPAK-EDU

Citizen Power and Procedural Accountability

Start listening at 51:06 – Hour 1

Lyons-Weiler recounts his successful challenge to the Allegheny County Board of Health’s attempt to mandate HPV vaccines for seventh-grade girls in 2017. By understanding procedural rules better than the officials, he stopped an illegal vote by invoking his right to request clarification on procedures.

The Board had attempted to bypass public comment requirements. When Lyons-Weiler sued, the vote was ruled null and void ab initio, demonstrating that citizens who know the rules can hold representatives accountable. The experience underscores that procedural violations can be challenged regardless of the underlying policy issue.

“We can do better as citizens. We have a lot of power as citizens. We simply have to know the rules better than people who are in leadership to hold them accountable.”

Dr. James Lyons-Weiler, Founder of IPAK-EDU

Colorado 2022 Midterm Election Results

Start listening at 72:06 – Hour 2

Kim Monson provides detailed analysis of Colorado election results. Michael Bennet defeated Joe O’Day for U.S. Senate with nearly 55% of the vote. Governor Jared Polis won reelection over Heidi Ganahl with 57.5% support. The closely contested Congressional District 3 race between Lauren Boebert and Adam Frisch remained too close to call.

Monson notes the disconnect between exit polls showing over 70% of voters believed the country was on the wrong track under Biden, yet election results did not reflect this sentiment. She criticizes the state GOP for fielding uncontested races and failing to support candidates across the ballot.

Callers throughout the second hour express frustration with election integrity concerns, with one referencing Colorado’s ranking as 37th in the Heritage Foundation’s election integrity scorecard.