For the first time in more than a century (and possibly in North Carolina’s history), Republicans in 2011 took control of drawing legislative and congressional voting districts.

The design of district maps is a powerful tool that could influence the outcome of elections. Democrats used it for more than a century to hold down their opposition. Now the Republicans have hit them back.

The new maps in the 2012 elections appear likely to give the Republicans as many as 10 of the 13 congressional seats (Republicans hold six of the seats now), unless the Democrats can persuade the courts to toss out the maps.

Similarly, the new state House and state Senate districts solidify the Republicans’ control of the legislature

Full story at the link.