August 24th, 2016 by WCBC Radio

 A group of Maryland residents challenging the state's 2011 redrawing of its congressional districts have won a court victory.

A three-judge panel ruled 2-1 on Wednesday that the case can go forward. State officials had argued that it should be dismissed.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on 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, which enabled Democrats to pick up an additional seat in Congress, was irrational and violated their First Amendment and other rights.