WASHINGTON -- The city of Pinson is about to become the first in Alabama to be exempt from the section of the Voting Rights Act that requires certain local governments to have their elections overseen by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Pinson and the Justice Department agreed in writing to excuse the small Jefferson County community from Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act because it has no history of discrimination against minority voters.

"In this case, the department carefully evaluated the information provided by the city and conducted its own investigation, which has satisfied us that the city is eligible for a bailout," said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "I appreciate the cooperation of city officials in providing the department with information that we have requested and in moving toward a resolution of this matter in the way envisioned by the Voting Rights Act."

The Justice Department's review of Pinson's application included interviews with minority voters in Pinson, according to the written consent decree. Pinson was formed in 2004 and its population is about 78 percent white, 17 percent black and 4 percent Hispanic. No minority candidate has ever run for elected office in Pinson, according to the agreement, which also calls for a new citizens' advisory group to explore ways to increase opportunities for voter registration, have more diversity among poll workers and increase opportunities generally for political participation in Pinson's elections.

Pinson's "bailout," as it is known, is significant because it is the first granted to any jurisdiction in Alabama. Since the law was passed in 1965, Alabama and all or part of 15 other states with a history of ballot box discrimination have had to prove to Washington that their voting procedures - such as redistricting or changing the method of elections -- did not negatively impact minority voters.

Shelby County is leading a court challenge of the historic voting rights law, arguing that it is no longer necessary and is too much of a burden on local governments. Shelby County lost its case and the appeal is pending.

The Voting Rights Act allows cities and counties with a clean record to apply to the Justice Department for exemption from the law, many of which have been granted over the years in other states.

The Pinson deal awaits final approval from a federal court.