Pinson Mayor Hoyt Sanders (front) and Pinson Councilors (left to right): Shane Shelnutt, Joy McCain, John Churchwell, Dawn Tanner and Joe Cochran.
By Crystal McGough
The Pinson City Council passed a resolution tonight at its regular meeting to form a Citizens Advisory Group on Voting.
The group is the result of the city entering into a Consent Judgment and Decree in April with the attorney general of the United States and the assistant attorney general of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice
. The decree relieves Pinson of the reporting requirements of the federal Voting Rights Act, which releases the city of the responsibility of submitting extensive documentation when pieces of land are annexed into the city, Mayor Hoyt Sanders said.
According to decree, “The city will solicit comments from the advisory group regarding constructive measures that can be taken relating to increase opportunities for voter registration, to increase opportunities for recruitment of a diverse group of poll officials at polling sites for all future elections in Pinson, especially municipal elections, and to increase opportunities generally for political participation in elections conducted in Pinson.”
The group will consist of five members who will be appointed by the Pinson City Council. Two members will serve four-year terms, two will serve three-year terms, and one will serve a two-year term.
The group will be required to hold at least one meeting during each calendar quarter.
Pinson residents interested in being on the Citizen’s Advisory Group can turn in their resume to Sanders at Pinson City Hall. Requirements for these positions are that the individual must live within Pinson city limits and must be registered to vote.
