Maryland congressional redistricting case moving forward

WASHINGTON (AP) —A lawsuit challenging a 2011 redrawing of Maryland’s congressional districts that enabled Democrats to pick up an additional seat in Congress can go forward, a three-judge panel ruled Wednesday.

The panel ruled 2-1 that the case can continue. State officials had argued that it should be dismissed.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the case late last year, saying it had been improperly dismissed at an early stage. The court said federal law required that the case be heard by a panel of three judges, not the lone judge who initially dismissed the challenge.

The case began in 2013 when three residents sued, arguing that the new district map was irrational and violated their First Amendment and other rights. The case now includes nine Maryland residents who argue that state officials violated their rights by redrawing the district maps with the purpose of diluting the power of Republican voters.

Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-supreme-court-redistricting-20160824-story.html