American Democracy Minute

Episode 1068: Throwing Off Despotism: For Independence Day, a Portion on the Declaration of Independence

The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for July 3, 2026 Throwing Off Despotism:  For Independence Day, a Portion on the Declaration of Independence For July 4th, while we can't read the entire Declaration of Independence in 90 seconds, we read a portion which includes the passage: "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government."  Happy Independence Day. Some podcasting platforms strip out our links.  To read our resources and see the whole script of today’s report, please go to our website at https://AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [https://americandemocracyminute.org] Today’s Links Articles & Resources: National Archives - Declaration of Independence: A Transcription [https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript] National Archives - The Declaration of Independence: A History [https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-history] American Constitution Center - Constitutional Voices: African Americans’ early responses to the Declaration of Independence [https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/constitutional-voices-african-americans-early-responses-to-the-declaration-of-independence] Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History - The Declaration of Independence and Women’s Rights [https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-now/journals/declaration-independence-and-womens-rights]  Related ADM Reports: American Democracy Minute - Thomas Jefferson Gets the Credit for the Declaration, but the ‘Independence’ Part Came from Richard Henry Lee on June 7, 1776 [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2025/07/03/thomas-jefferson-gets-the-credit-for-the-declaration-but-the-independence-part-came-from-richard-henry-lee-on-june-7-1776/] Register or Check Your Voter Registration: U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State [https://www.eac.gov/voters/register-and-vote-in-your-state] Please follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/americandemocracyminute/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/americandemocracyminute/], and Bluesky Social [https://bsky.app/profile/democracyminute.bsky.social], and SHARE!  Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [http://www.americandemocracyminute.org/] Subscribe for FREE [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/about-the-american-democracy-minute-radio-report-podcast/subscribe-to-the-american-democracy-minute-podcast/] at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most podcasting platforms. Are you a radio station?  Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network's Audioport [https://audioport.org/index.php?op=series&series=American+Democracy+Minute&] and PRX [https://exchange.prx.org/series/42434-american-democracy-minute] #Democracy  #DemocracyNews #DeclarationofIndependence #July4th #UnalienableRights #Depotism

Episode 1067: U.S. Supreme Court’s Conservative Majority Unleashes Political Party Coordinated Campaign Money – And Likely More Big Donor Influence

The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for July 2, 2026 U.S. Supreme Court’s Conservative Majority Unleashes Political Party Coordinated Campaign Money – And Likely More Big Donor Influence In the tradition of Citizens United, the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority decided National Republican Senatorial Committee v. FEC, allowing political parties to spend unlimited funds on behalf of a  federal candidate. It could unleash even more campaign money and more big donor influence. Some podcasting platforms strip out our links.  To read our resources and see the whole script of today’s report, please go to our website at https://AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [https://americandemocracyminute.org] Today’s Links Articles & Resources: U.S. Supreme Court - Opinion in Republican Senate Campaign Committee v. FEC [https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-621_h315.pdf] Federal Election Commission - Supreme Court issues opinion in National Republican Senatorial Committee, et al. v. FEC, et al. [https://www.fec.gov/updates/supreme-court-issues-opinion-in-national-republican-senatorial-committee-et-al-v-fec-et-al/] SCOTUSblog - Justices strike down campaign finance law [https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/06/justices-strike-down-campaign-finance-law/] Covington & Burling Law Firm - Supreme Court Decision in National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission Empowers Political Parties, Calls Other Restrictions into Question [https://www.cov.com/en/news-and-insights/insights/2026/06/supreme-court-decision-in-national-republican-senatorial-committee-v-federal-election-commission-empowers-political-parties-calls-other-restrictions-into-question] End Citizens United - ECU Blasts SCOTUS for Siding With Billionaires and Special Interests Over Voters in NRSC v. FEC [https://www.endcitizensunited.org/news/ecu-blasts-scotus-for-siding-with-billionaires-and-special-interests-over-voters-in-nrsc-v-fec] Related ADM Reports: American Democracy Minute - (2025)  U.S. Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Coordinated Campaign Finance Limits for Political Parties.  It Could Unleash Another Torrent of Election Cash. [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2025/12/10/u-s-supreme-court-hears-challenge-to-coordinated-campaign-finance-limits-for-political-parties-it-could-unleash-a-torrent-of-election-cash/] Groups Taking Action: Issue One [https://issueone.org/press/supreme-court-opens-new-avenue-for-big-money-to-buy-favor-with-candidates/], Public Citizen [https://www.citizen.org/litigation/national-republican-senatorial-committee-v-fec/], Campaign Legal Center/League of Women Voters/Common Cause [https://campaignlegal.org/press-releases/supreme-court-strikes-down-key-campaign-finance-provision-turning-political-parties] Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [http://www.americandemocracyminute.org/]  Subscribe for FREE [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/about-the-american-democracy-minute-radio-report-podcast/subscribe-to-the-american-democracy-minute-podcast/] at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most podcasting platforms. #Democracy  #DemocracyNews #BigMoney #MoneyinPolitics #USSupremeCourt #SCOTUS #DNC #RNC

Episode 1066: In a Surprising Pro-Voter Decision, the U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Mississippi’s Five-Day Mail-In Ballot Grace Period After Election Day

The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for July 1, 2026 In a Surprising Pro-Voter Decision, the U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Mississippi’s Five-Day Mail-In Ballot Grace Period After Election Day The U.S. Supreme Court surprisingly upheld Mississippi’s law allowing eligible mail-in ballots to be counted up to five days after election day.  The decision protects voters in the 29 states which allow receipt of absentee, mail-in, or overseas UOCAVA ballots after election day, if postmarked on or before that day. Some podcasting platforms strip out our links.  To read our resources and see the whole script of today’s report, please go to our website at https://AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [https://americandemocracyminute.org] Today’s Links Articles & Resources: U.S. Supreme Court - Opinion in Watson v Republican National Committee [https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1260_g3cn.pdf]U.S. Supreme Court - Docket in Watson v Republican National Committee [https://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docketfiles/html/public/24-1260.html] SCOTUSBlog - Justices uphold state law allowing for late-arriving mail-in ballots [https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/06/justices-uphold-state-law-allowing-for-late-arriving-mail-in-ballots/] Brennan Center for Justice -  Friend-of-the-Court Brief in Watson v. Republican National Committee [https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/watson-v-republican-national-committee] National Conference of State Legislatures - Receipt and Postmark Deadlines for Absentee/Mail Ballots [https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/table-11-receipt-and-postmark-deadlines-for-absentee-mail-ballots]   Related ADM Reports: American Democracy Minute - March 23rd, U.S. Supreme Court Hears Mississippi Case Which Could Impact Mail-in Ballots in 14 or More States [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2026/03/22/march-23rd-u-s-supreme-court-hears-mississippi-case-which-could-impact-mail-in-ballots-in-14-or-more-states/] American Democracy Minute - The Supreme Court’s Conservatives Appear Likely to End Mail-In Ballot Grace Periods, Affecting Dozens of State Laws and Millions of Voters [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2026/03/24/the-supreme-courts-conservatives-appear-likely-to-end-to-mail-in-ballot-grace-periods-affecting-dozens-of-state-laws-and-millions-of-voters/] Groups Taking Action: Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC [https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/publication/what-watson-v-rnc-means-asian-american-voters],  ACLU MS [https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/supreme-court-protects-mail-voting-and-preserves-states-authority-over-ballot-receipt-rules], Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights [https://civilrights.org/2026/06/29/the-leadership-conference-responds-to-the-supreme-courts-decision-in-watson-v-rnc/], Campaign Legal Center [https://campaignlegal.org/press-releases/campaign-legal-centers-danielle-lang-supreme-court-ruling-watson-v-rnc-win-voters] Register or Check Your Voter Registration: U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State [https://www.eac.gov/voters/register-and-vote-in-your-state] Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [http://www.americandemocracyminute.org/] #Democracy  #DemocracyNews #USSupremeCourt #SCOTUS #Mississippi #WatsonvRNC #MailInBallots

Episode 1065: SCOTUS Lets Stand an 8th Circuit Decision Disallowing a ‘Private Right of Action’ in Voting Rights Cases. It May Be the Next VRA Domino to Fall

The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for June 30, 2026 SCOTUS Lets Stand an 8th Circuit Decision Disallowing a ‘Private Right of Action’ in Voting Rights Cases. It May Be the Next VRA Domino to Fall The U.S. Supreme Court let stand a case from the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals June 22nd which takes another step toward striking down a “private right of action” for Voting Rights Act cases.  For the moment, it impacts only seven states, but it may be the next VRA domino to fall. Some podcasting platforms strip out our links.  To read our resources and see the whole script of today’s report, please go to our website at https://AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [https://americandemocracyminute.org] Today’s Links Articles & Resources: U.S. Supreme Court -  Decline of 8th Circuit's ARKANSAS UNITED, ET AL. V. THURSTON [https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/062226zor_g314.pdf] U.S. 8th Circuit  Court of Appeals - ARKANSAS UNITED, ET AL. V. THURSTON [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26032480-arkansas-united-2025-07-28-8th-circuit-panel-opinion/] MALDEF (via Democracy Docket) - (2023) ARKANSAS STATE CONFERENCE NAACP v ARKANSAS BOARD OF APPORTIONMENT, ET AL., [https://www.democracydocket.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Bipartisan-group-of-supporters-of-the-1982-voting-rights-act-amicus-brief-in-support-of-appellants.pdf?inline=1] NPR - Supreme Court allows a ruling that ends a tool to protect minority voters in 7 states [https://www.npr.org/2026/06/22/nx-s1-5863532/supreme-court-voting-rights-act-private-right-arkansas] Related ADM Reports: American Democracy Minute - (2024) Look for 2025 Conservative Challenges to a ‘Private Right of Action’ for Voting Rights Cases, Attempting to Dismantle the Voting Rights Act [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2024/12/26/look-for-2025-conservative-challenges-to-a-private-right-of-action-for-voting-rights-cases-attempting-to-dismantle-the-voting-rights-act/] American Democracy Minute - (2025) Eighth Circuit ‘Private Right of Action’ Ruling Temporarily Halted by Justice Kavanaugh in Case by North Dakota Tribal Nations [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2025/07/22/eight-circuit-private-right-of-action-ruling-temporarily-halted-by-justice-kavanaugh-in-case-by-north-dakota-tribal-nations/] American Democracy Minute - (2023)  Radical Federal Court of Appeals Ruling Deals Another Blow to Voters, Democracy Groups and the Voting Rights Act [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2023/11/21/radical-federal-court-of-appeals-ruling-deals-another-blow-to-voters-democracy-groups-and-the-voting-rights-act/] Groups Taking Action: Arkansas United [https://arkansasunited.org/en/home],  Native American Rights Fund [https://narf.org/cases/north-dakota-redistricting-map/] Register or Check Your Voter Registration: U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State [https://www.eac.gov/voters/register-and-vote-in-your-state] Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [http://www.americandemocracyminute.org/] #Democracy  #DemocracyNews #PrivateRightofAction #Arkansas #SCOTUS #USSupremeCourt #8thCircuit #VRA #VotingRights

Episode 1064: Federal Court Blocks Trump Administration from Implementing Key Parts of Executive Order on Elections as Unconstitutional Overreach

The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for June 29, 2026 Federal Court Blocks Trump Administration from Implementing Key Parts of Executive Order on Elections as Unconstitutional Overreach Attorneys general from 23 states challenged President Donald Trump’s March 31st executive order on elections under the Elections Clause of the U.S. Constitution.  June 25th, a federal district court judge blocked the administration and U.S. Postal Service from implementing key sections of the order. U.S. District Court for Massachusetts (via Court Listener) - Ruling in California v. Trump [https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.298518/gov.uscourts.mad.298518.191.0_1.pdf]U.S. District Court for DC (via Court Listener) – League of Women Voters v. Department of Homeland Security [https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.285454/gov.uscourts.dcd.285454.111.0_1.pdf] The White House – ENSURING CITIZENSHIP VERIFICATION AND INTEGRITY IN FEDERAL ELECTIONS [https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/03/ensuring-citizenship-verification-and-integrity-in-federal-elections/] https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.298518/gov.uscourts.mad.298518.191.0_1.pdfU.S. Postal Service via The Federal Register – Proposal to Comply President Trump’s Executive Order: POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 111 Ballot Mail for Federal Elections [https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-10968.pdf] Brennan Center for Justice – Analyzing the President’s Executive Order on Mail Voting [https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/analyzing-presidents-executive-order-mail-voting]   [https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.298518/gov.uscourts.mad.298518.191.0_1.pdf] NPR - Judge blocks Postal Service proposal to restrict mail-in voting under Trump's order [https://www.npr.org/2026/06/25/nx-s1-5869755/judge-blocks-postal-service-proposal-to-restrict-mail-in-voting-under-trumps-order] Related ADM Reports: American Democracy Minute - Federal District Court Rules Use of Social Security and Other Federal Data for SAVE Database Violates Multiple Federal Privacy Statutes [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2026/06/23/federal-district-court-rules-use-of-social-security-and-other-federal-data-for-save-database-violates-multiple-federal-privacy-statutes/] Groups Taking Action: ACLU MA [https://www.aclum.org/press-releases/federal-court-allows-challenge-to-executive-order-restricting-mail-in-voting-to-proceed-with-respect-to-the-midterm-elections/], League of Women Voters [https://www.lwv.org/newsroom/press-releases/voting-rights-groups-applaud-ruling-declaring-2026-executive-order] Please follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/americandemocracyminute/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/americandemocracyminute/], and Bluesky Social [https://bsky.app/profile/democracyminute.bsky.social], and SHARE!  Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [http://www.americandemocracyminute.org/] Subscribe for FREE [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/about-the-american-democracy-minute-radio-report-podcast/subscribe-to-the-american-democracy-minute-podcast/] at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most podcasting platforms. #Democracy  #DemocracyNews #TrumpExecutiveOrder #MailInVoting #USPS #ProofofCitizenship #Unconstitutional