The Supreme Court has allowed Alabama’s congressional map to remain in place, sparking concern that critical voting protections are being disregarded. The decision has drawn criticism from those who believe the Court is too tolerant of temporary violations of Americans’ rights.

A Republican-led legal challenge aims to reshape a core protection of the Voting Rights Act by targeting a provision that bans racial discrimination in redistricting. The case, now before the Supreme Court, holds weighty implications for future congressional control.

A federal appeals court has chosen not to strike down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, spurring Louisiana officials to seek a stay. The state hopes the Supreme Court will resolve the matter in a related redistricting case scheduled for October.