MADRID –  Spain’s Constitutional Court is to decide whether to accept for deliberation a government petition to block plans by the northeastern region of Catalonia to hold an informal independence poll Nov. 9.

A spokeswoman said the issue would be discussed Tuesday but could not say when a decision would be made.

Agreement to study the petition would automatically suspend the vote while the court deliberates.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with court policy.

Catalan authorities opted to hold an informal poll after plans to stage a proper referendum were suspended by the court when the government presented a similar legal challenge.

Catalonia insists there will be a vote.

Opinion surveys indicate most Catalans want a referendum but are roughly equally divided over independence.