WEST WARWICK, R.I. (AP) _ Rhode Island's Supreme Court will not rule on a disputed West Warwick primary until State Police finish investigating alleged voting irregularities.

Recounts show Sen. Stephen Alves trailing challenger Michael Pinga in last month's Democratic primary. There is no Republican challenger.

Earlier this month, state Democratic Party chairman William Lynch asked State Police to investigate allegations that multiple Republicans voted in the Democratic primary. Pinga was a registered Republican until he switched parties in March and ran against Alves.

Pinga said Lynch's complaint is meritless.

A State Police spokesman was not sure how long the probe will take. Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis said the court must take action by Tuesday so his office can print ballots correctly.