They are asking the court to strike down the maps and draw new ones.

What happened?

In its 2011-12 session, the Legislature approved three bills to redistrict the state’s state and federal legislative based on the 2010 U.S. Census. The maps were written by GOP legislators, private attorneys and consultants hired by Republicans. If the Democrats’ lawsuit is successful and the maps are repealed, they likely would not remain in effect for the 2018 general election. Regardless of how the court rules, the current maps will still be in place for the 2016 election.

Why does the case matter?

Depending on the outcome, the case could set a standard for how constitutionality is determined when redistricting is done along partisan lines in states.

According to WisPolitics.com, “Getting to trial is a rare victory for someone challenging a map for being allegedly gerrymandered for political affiliation.”

The three-judge panel’s ruling also said that the U.S. Supreme Court has “struggled to determine the appropriate test for gerrymanders based on political affiliation.”