A researcher explores ways Kansas Citians can protect democracy in America

Valerie Lemmie discusses how people can build trust in their communities and continue the battle of keeping democracy alive.
With more Americans feeling as if democracy is under threat, people are wondering what they can do about it.

Valerie Lemmie has spent the past 35 years asking and answering such questions. As director of exploratory research for the Kettering Foundation in Dayton, Ohio, her job is "to solve public problems and controversial issues in government organizations and local communities." She says every able-bodied person needs to be engaged and a part of the country's governance process to ensure a better life for everyone.

She points to efforts by Republican leaders in Missouri and Kansas to make it harder to vote due to concern about voter fraud. Even though evidence of fraud doesn't exist, Lemmie says, her research shows sometimes facts don't matter.