Louisiana: elections commissioner recommends delay in New Orleans election
AP reports: A top state official recommended Monday that elections scheduled for February in New Orleans be delayed because of Hurricane Katrina, which displaced thousands of residents and demolished polling places.
Elections Commissioner Angie LaPlace told a legislative committee that she believes the Feb. 4 mayoral primary - which would also include city council races and referendums - should be postponed.
"It would be too problematic. We're not ready," LaPlace said.
LaPlace did not specify how long the primary should be delayed or say how her recommendation might affect the March 4 general election in which Mayor Ray Nagin has indicated he will seek a second term.
She has made the recommendation to Secretary of State Al Ater. If Ater agrees with her, the governor would have to decide whether to delay the election. -- AP Wire | 11/14/2005 | State official says delay New Orleans vote