Justices mull latest challenge to landmark voting rights law

By MARK SHERMAN
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Some of the Supreme Court’s conservative justices seem sympathetic to Alabama’s arguments in a case seeking to force the state to create a second Black majority congressional district. It’s the latest showdown over the landmark Voting Rights Act. During arguments Tuesday, liberal Justice Elena Kagan referred to that law as “an important statute” and “one of the great achievements of American democracy.”  But she also acknowledged that recent Supreme Court cases have cut back on the law. The outcome could have far-reaching effects on minority voting power in the U.S. About 27% of Alabamians are Black, but they form a majority in just one of the state’s seven congressional districts. A decision is expected by June.