Democrats ask federal court to throw out legislative district maps drawn by GOP in 2011

MADISON — A group of Democrats is asking a federal court to throw out Wisconsin's legislative district maps drawn by Republicans in 2011.

The 12 plaintiffs say the redistricting map is unconstitutional because it was drawn to the advantage of one party. The state Government Accountability Board, which runs elections, is named as the defendant.

Two years ago, a panel of federal judges redrew two Assembly districts, saying they violated the voting rights of Latinos on Milwaukee's south side. The judges left in place other districts, which allowed Republicans to hold on to their advantage in elections.

Every 10 years, States must redraw legislative and congressional districts every 10 years to account for population shifts. Republicans currently control the Assembly 63-36 and the Senate 19-14.