Story perspectives

Alito's Flawed History Sparks Roe Overturn, Voting Rights Collapse

5/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Justice Samuel Alito authored opinions that overturned Roe v. Wade and struck down Voting Rights Act provisions on April 29, 2026.
Alito based rulings on historical claims scholars say lack factual basis.
Justice Elena Kagan said Alito’s historical claim was embarrassingly wrong.
A 2024 study found states formerly subject to preclearance now have largest racial turnout gaps, leading Republican lawmakers to move to dismantle majority-Black districts after the Court’s Callais decision.

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Story summary

Justice Samuel Alito authored opinions that overturned Roe v. Wade and struck down Voting Rights Act provisions on April 29, 2026.
Alito based rulings on historical claims scholars say lack factual basis.
Justice Elena Kagan said Alito’s historical claim was embarrassingly wrong.
A 2024 study found states formerly subject to preclearance now have largest racial turnout gaps, leading Republican lawmakers to move to dismantle majority-Black districts after the Court’s Callais decision.