The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District No. 1 v. Holder. At issue were provisions of the 1965 federal Voting Rights Act which ban all states from voting discrimination based on "race or color," but targets states and areas with a history of racial discrimination in voting. Currently eight states and parts of eight other states are required to seek permission from the U.S. Justice Department or the federal court in Washington before making changes in the voting process such as changing voting districts, polling locations, or other election procedures. This program contained the audio recording released by the court immediately after the arguments were presented. Still images of participants were shown on the screen as they spoke. Justice Thomas did not speak.