Federal judge to hold hearing on legality of New Orleans election

NEW ORLEANS The first election in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina is less than a month away. But it will be the subject of another court hearing today.

Civil rights groups are trying to block the election, arguing that too many black residents scattered by Katrina will be unable to take part.

A federal judge who earlier turned aside pleas for a postponement of the April 22nd mayoral election has agreed to hold a hearing to reconsider the dismissal.

The state is implementing an emergency plan that includes polling stations set up in ten Louisiana cities, a national ad campaign to inform displaced voters, and an easing of voting rules to allow displaced residents to cast ballots. But critics say the plan doesn't go far enough.

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