The problems that can arise when Americans vote, a situation highlighted by this year's presidential race, will be the subject of hearings to be held by Sen. Mitch McConnell early next year.

        Mr. McConnell, a Louisville Republican and chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, said the hearings will explore issues surrounding voting procedures and ballot integrity.

        They will include discussions on poll closing times, ballot formats, timeliness and accuracy of counting, the state of voting equipment throughout the country, and overseas and military voting, he said.

        Mr. McConnell said he will work closely with Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., during the committee hearings. Mr. Dodd is also a member of the Rules Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal elec tions.

        “The 2000 election has given the American people an extended civics lesson and provided the Rules Committee with rich examples of voting practices and procedures in America,” Mr. McConnell said in a statement.

        Problems with voting in Florida, where the presidential race remains undecided, will certainly be a major focus during the hearings, said Hunter Bates, Mr. McConnell's chief of staff.

        But it's unlikely that talk of doing away with the Electoral College will come up. It would take a constitutional amendment to eliminate or change the Electoral College, and those amendments are under the jurisdiction of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Mr. Bates said.

        Dates have not been set.

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