What’s at Stake in Fight Over the Voting Rights Act: QuickTake

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark law enacted to enforce voting protections enshrined in the US Constitution and eliminate longstanding obstacles to voter participation. Now, the Supreme Court is considering whether to narrow some of its key provisions.

At issue is whether officials responsible for drawing legislative district maps must continue to draw majority-Black or majority-Hispanic districts — a practice the court itself once required to ensure that racial minorities have a fair opportunity to elect candidates of their choice.

Demonstrators outside the US Supreme Court in Washington in October 2025.

Photographer: Eric Lee/Bloomberg

The court’s decision, expected in 2026, could effectively end that system — and potentially require states ...