Michael Waldman, president and CEO of the Brennan Center for Justice, said that defending the right to vote remains essential as the Trump administration pushes the SAVE Act, a voting restriction bill that would require individuals to present a passport or birth certificate when registering to vote, affecting an estimated 21 million Americans who lack ready access to such documents.

The article outlines the historical struggle for voting rights in the United States, noting that property requirements were eliminated during Andrew Jackson’s presidency, Black men gained the franchise after serving in the Civil War, the 15th Amendment was later undermined, women obtained the vote with the 19th Amendment, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 expanded participation before the Supreme Court recently limited its provisions.

The discussion includes references to historian Jesse Wegman’s book, *The Lost Founder*, which examines James Wilson’s advocacy for broad suffrage, quoting Wilson’s statement that “the supreme, absolute, and uncontrollable authority remains with the people.” Wegman notes that the book’s release coincides with the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding and underscores that voting rights have required continual effort.

The SAVE Act, proposed by President Trump and Senate Republicans, would require documentation such as a passport or birth certificate for each voter registration or re‑registration, a requirement that critics say could disenfranchise millions. The Brennan Center research indicates that about 21 million U.S. citizens lack ready access to these documents. The FBI has been accused of using its authority to intimidate election officials and voter registration groups, though specific instances were not detailed in the source.

The Supreme Court, which previously included Wilson, has invalidated key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, prompting concerns that the legal landscape for voting rights is changing. Trump and his supporters have labeled recent election outcomes as “rigged,” a claim that has not been substantiated by evidence.

The article concludes by emphasizing that the fight for voting rights reflects the original constitutional principle of “We the People,” and that continued advocacy is necessary to preserve the ability of all citizens to participate in elections.

Donald Trump delivered a late‑night address in Washington, D.C., on Saturday to mark the United States' 250th anniversary, saying the nation was “just getting started” and pledging to take it “to new levels.” The speech followed a brief evacuation of the venue after a thunderstorm. Trump asserted that the United States had achieved “unmatched” progress and possessed “unlimited potential,” and he pledged to pursue policies that would further advance the country, though he did not outline specific initiatives. The remarks set the stage for future policy discussions as the administration prepares to outline its agenda for the coming year.

Mt Olive Pickle Company withdrew from the Great American State Fair in Washington DC after a video containing a Confederate flag was shown as part of North Carolina’s exhibit. The company said it was unaware that the flag would be included and emphasized its commitment to human dignity, opportunity and freedom. Spevco, another participant, said it did not create or approve the 45‑minute YouTube video and confirmed that the flag appeared only briefly before the footage was removed. The Confederate battle flag has long been associated with white supremacist groups. The fair experienced low attendance and high temperatures, which sent at least seven people to hospitals and led several states to forgo participation due to budget or scheduling concerns. North Carolina officials said budgetary constraints prevented its own delegation, but private funding allowed the state’s representation at the fair. Freedom 250, the event’s organizer, moved the fair’s start time to noon on Saturday because of the heat, and parades in Annapolis, Philadelphia and Washington DC were canceled. The episode reflects ongoing debates over Confederate symbols during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

Delray Beach will host its Fourth of July celebration from July 3 to July 5, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as part of the America250 semiquincentennial initiative. The city’s long‑standing family event, which typically draws more than 20,000 attendees, is an official America250 partner.

At 5 p.m. on the Main Stage at A1A, officials will open a 1976 bicentennial time capsule containing messages from the 200th‑anniversary celebration. The ceremony at 6 p.m. will feature a 60‑foot flag raising at Atlantic Avenue and Seabreeze Avenue, the national anthem, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence by the Delray Beach Historical Society.

The beach activities begin at 8 a.m. with a 4‑on‑4 volleyball tournament and a sand‑sculpting contest judged on patriotic themes. Guided tours of the S.S. Inchulva, a shipwreck from a 1903 hurricane, will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Evening entertainment includes a tribute act on the Main Stage and DJ performances on the East Road Stage from 6:30 to 9 p.m., followed by a fireworks display at 9 p.m.

Road closures will be in effect from noon to 11 p.m., covering East Atlantic from the Intracoastal Bridge to A1A and A1A from Thomas Street to Miramar Drive. The city advises visitors to park west of the Intracoastal Bridge, and free shuttle service will operate downtown. Event details are available by calling Parks and Recreation at (561) 243‑7250, option 3.