U.S. Supreme Court Will Hear Voting Rights Act Challenge

Arguments expected to begin early next year, decision announcement in June

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear an Alabama challenge to the historic Voting Rights Act, a law that has prevented discrimination against blacks and Hispanics at the polls. Alabama is challenging a provision of the law requiring states with a history of racial bias to get federal permission before changing voting rules. African American and Latino voters played a key role in the re-election of President Barack Obama, who won minority vote in record numbers. The Voting Rights Act, a major accomplishment in civil rights era legislation, was re-authorized by Congress in 2006. Arguments will be heard before Supreme Court justices early next year. A decision is expected by the end of June. (BBC News)

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