U.S. Supreme Court Suggests Support for Arizona Voting Curbs (2)

U.S. Supreme Court justices grappled with a case that could further weaken the landmark Voting Rights Act, suggesting they would back two Arizona ballot restrictions while exploring possible middle grounds on the standard that would apply to future lawsuits.

In a two-hour telephone argument that was alternatively combative and conciliatory, the justices gave renewed scrutiny to a 1965 law the court cut back significantly in 2013. The measure was designed to protect the rights of Black voters at the polling place.

The clash comes as Republican-controlled states consider a barrage of new restrictions that could make it harder for minorities ...