Democracy at Work

Democracy at Work profiles the women and men engaged in public service - either as volunteers or as government workers. They have a compelling story to tell about how they uphold core democratic ideals - free and fair elections, the right to be represented at a criminal trial, the defense of the country from enemies foreign and domestic, the proper care of veterans, and ensuring clean air and water, to name a few examples. Public service is often low-paid and overlooked, maligned as the Deep State. Many highly-qualified professionals choose public service in part because they believe in the public mission. We ask people how they feel about their job, why they chose that career path, and what they feel is their role in democracy.

The workings and actions of Democracy

A public life serving democracy brings surprising rewards: An interview with Melody Barnes, Executive Director of the Karsh Institute of Democracy at the University of Virginia

11-01
24:49

A Navy vet’s new stateside mission: The 2024 election

After graduating from the Naval Academy and serving 12 years as a helicopter pilot and instructor, Julie Hendricks has taken on a new commission — poll worker.

10-29
04:54

Shining a light on a small town’s government

Laura Mollo wanted her hometown of Richlands, Virginia to be a safe, secure place for her young family. She turned to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act to bring about change.

10-22
04:24

Restoring voting rights in Virginia, with fish as the bait

Virginia is one of just two states that bans ex-felons from voting unless they receive an executive pardon. Richard Walker uses his nonprofit – and cooking skills – to help other former felons win back their voting rights

10-15
04:45

A Clerk’s Daily Mission: Provide A Window Into City Government

Hampton Clerk of City Council Katherine Glass stumbled into local government. She’s been soothing angry citizens, organizing public meetings and counting votes for two decades.

10-08
04:41

From Navy warships to fighting climate change: One woman’s lifetime in public service

Retired Rear Adm. Ann Phillips was among the first cohorts of women to serve on ships at sea. She said “as soon as somebody tells me no, then I'm like, ‘Hmm, oh yes, watch this.’”

10-01
04:41

A Virginia registrar keeps the wheels of democracy turning

The year-round job of keeping Virginia’s annual elections running like clockwork falls to local officials who work to stay above the political fray

09-24
04:45

A Navy vet opened up to Congress, stirring landmark policy change

Navy vet and minority advocate Lindsay Church’s personal and public life merged when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade

09-17
03:54

An Appalachian Publisher Thrives In The Midst Of Industry Upheaval

Democracy at Work—Anne Adams - owner, reporter and most everything in between for her rural weekly - preserves a 147-year-old newspaper

09-10
05:53

The poll worker’s dilemma: A tie vote

Ken Mallory reviewed ballots in a historically close Newport News election. One vote made all the difference.

09-03
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Democracy at Work Preview

Democracy at Work profiles the women and men engaged in public service - either as volunteers or as government workers.

08-27
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