The case began with a challenge to a Louisiana congressional map that initially included only one majority-Black district|350z33|CC BY-SA 3.0

The Supreme Court on Wednesday signaled it might weaken or even strike down a key part of the Voting Rights Act.

Conservative justices questioned whether efforts to boost the voting power of Black and other minority populations could violate the Constitution.

The case began with a challenge to a Louisiana congressional map that initially included only one majority-Black district.

After courts found it likely violated the Voting Rights Act, Louisiana added a second majority-minority district. A group identifying as “non-African-American” voters then sued, claiming their voting power was diluted.

Some conservative justices argued that using race in redistricting is unconstitutional. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who once supported the Act, appeared skeptical this time.

The decision could reshape redistricting in many states and may be announced by summer.