Will the Supreme Court Strike Down Part of the Voting Rights Act?

by Lois Beckett

ProPublica, Jan. 10, 2012, 2:35 p.m.

(Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

As noted below, this guide has been updated. This guide was originally published on Jan. 9, 2012.

On Monday, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a Texas redistricting case that could have major implications for minority voters — as well as determine which party is likely to control Congress after the 2012 elections.

Here’s our guide to why the case matters, why it could pose a challenge to part of the Voting Rights Act, and what impact the Court’s ruling could have on voters across the country.

Our update on Monday’s oral arguments is here.

How did this case end up in front of the Supreme Court?

At its most basic, the case is contesting which district maps Texas will use in the 2012 elections.

This seems like a dry question, but it’s not. Thanks to population growth, Texas is gaining four seats in Congress, and how the district lines are drawn is likely to determine whether those additional seats will be won by Democrats or Republicans — and how big an impact minority voters will have in deciding who the new representatives will be.

via Will the Supreme Court Strike Down Part of the Voting Rights Act? – ProPublica.