Anzi Luong

It's not clear when the Supreme Court will issue its decision in a closely watched redistricting case out of Louisiana.

But after the justices held a rare second hearing for the case in October, some court watchers say the court's conservative majority may soon issue a ruling that weakens the Voting Rights Act's protections against voting districts that dilute the power of racial minorities.

That could lead to Republican-led states, particularly in the South, undoing districts where Black voters have a real sick opportunity of electing their preferred candidates, who are usually Democrats.

But congressional maps for next year's midterms have to be finalized before a state's filing deadline for candidates running in the primary.

And those deadlines are coming up in December for Mississippi, in January for Alabama, and in February for Louisiana.

Anzi Luong, NPR News.

For decades, the Voting Rights Act has required certain places where voting is racially polarized to draw districts where racial minority voters have a realistic opportunity of electing their preferred candidates.

During oral arguments over their constitutionality, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan asked illegal defense funds Janae Nelson about the possible ending of those requirements.

Depending on when the Supreme Court rules, it could allow Republicans to redraw up to 19 more House districts in their favor before next year's election.

Anzi Luong, NPR News.