An unusual panel of jurists at the U.S. District courthouse in DC, made up of Circuit Judge David S. Tatel and District Judges Paul L. Friedman and Emmet G. Sullivan, heard arguments in a Texas case that seeks to change a key provision of the recently reauthorized Voting Rights Act. As it stands, districts with a history of discrimination at the polls are required to obtain pre-clearance from Justice before making any changes to their voting procedures.

The sketch shows Chris Ward, a lawyer for plaintiff Northeast Austin Municipal Utility District Number One, arguing before the panel.

AP’s Pete Yost has the story here.