(Reuters] – North Carolina’s divisional Supreme Court ruled against the new state congressional map. This upheld the claims of Democratic voters as well as advocacy groups, that the redrawn lines favor Republicans.

This 4-3 decision could impact the outcome of the November 2022 elections, in which Democrats will make up the majority.

Democrats and civil rights activists claimed that the new map will ensure Republicans win the majority of 14 state congressional districts. This is despite the fact that more Democratic voters were present in the elections.

Friday’s ruling by the Supreme Court stated that maps are “unconstitutional beyond reasonable doubt” under the equal protection, free elections, free speech, and freedom of assembly provisions of the North Carolina Constitution.

According to the court, the North Carolina legislature is allowed to submit new state and congressional legislative districting plans that “satisfy every provision of the North Carolina Constitution.” This court stated that February 18, is the deadline to submit plans for review by a tribunal.

After the U.S. Census has completed its 10-year count, federal law mandates that states draw new congressional lines each 10 years in order to reflect population changes. The process is controlled by the legislature in most states. This leads to gerrymandering where one party manipulates political maps for its own benefit.

According to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University, this case is one of many pending cases challenging congressional maps in at most half a dozen US states. This includes Ohio, Georgia and Texas.

To regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives in November 8, Republicans will need to win only a few seats. Democrats have a 221-212 advantage, which includes vacancies.