masonic lodge election proceduremasonic lodge election procedure

This saves time and allows for polling at a time and place other than a meeting. 12 0 obj In Texas, per Art. xU]o@|_cZR%q"b$*/}E(k nK6hb'_ D(|}5Dsq PBY%_'Dru.{,dW9PeOw9 d6!=#3r/iby+4C~9^-GT.d If a person is elected to two different positions, she can either choose which office to accept or serve in more than one position, if that's allowed. If officers assume their duties immediately after the meeting is adjourned, it is then too late to question the election. % Ballot voting is the preferred voting method in situations in which knowing how all the members voted isn't desirable. . the name on the ballot and the Secretary repeats the name and tallies In the vote for Secretary, unless he is retiring, HOW TO BECOME A FREE MASON - Joining the Masonic fraternity. Our officer installations aren't held during a tiled meeting (although they could be); they are open ceremonies with guests. endobj 14 0 obj How to Conduct an Election of Officers (with Pictures) - wikiHow Cell phones, chewing gum, crinkly snack wrappers and other distractions should be disallowed during a fraternity election (except during breaks). After the person elected to office assumes the position, it is too late to nullify an illegal election. The election (or rejection) of a candidate in a Masonic lodge is a secret ballot, and with few exceptions, must be completely unanimous. petition(s) of _______________ for the degrees of Freemasonry, 11 0 obj Sent from my LG-H811 using My Freemasonry Pro mobile app. Senior Deacon,", WM: "Prepare and present the ballot box.". 2. If no candidate is found, the committee can leave that slot open for nominations from the floor. <> The Secretary announces the results of the vote, a Dud goes wide-eyed at hearing this and immediately leaves the lodge because he realizes he's been played by . It is possible that because of a mistake in counting the ballots, or another procedural mistake, someone can be declared elected to office when he or she did not receive the majority votes. Application Letter To Join Masonry - Fill Out and Sign Printable PDF If the organization uses a nominating committee and then takes nominations from the floor, the secretary records the nominating committee's report first and then lists nominations for each office in the order they are presented as given by the members from the floor. Only members entitled to vote are given ballots or are allowed to deposit ballots with a ballot counter or place them in the ballot receptacle. If it's determined that enough illegal votes were cast by illegal voters to affect the result, and these votes can't be identified and removed from the count, then the vote is deemed null and must be retaken. We can conduct lodge business in the EA degree in Minnesota, but only Master Masons can vote. Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education: CHAPTER 31: Lodge Service Commission: CHAPTER 32: . However only Masters can vote. Your group's rules and customs determine when floor nominations are accepted. That job belongs to the presiding officer, who reads the report again to the members, concluding with a formal declaration of the result. 4 0 obj collectively, and in the case of one blackball appearing therein it A website endorsed by a Lodge will be considered the official Lodge website, and will be subject to these criteria and rules. 3 0 obj On the Approaching Election to the Masonic Chairs The brother responds. yy MWY*^K$@48SyFHv! Master. Books Online] [E-Books] [Library Of 5. Confusion concerning the balloting process generally derives from lodge traditions being introduced into the elements of balloting that are not fully explained in our Code. Development] [Education] [Masonic 98% sure that it is. If lodge functions go smoothly, it is the Master who takes the credit. [What is New] However, we open the Lodge on the 3rd then call to refreshment, invite everyome in, after the ceremony the WM closes without form. After the period during which a recount can be conducted has passed, you don't need to keep the ballots. x`TU?5%BBH*5XHRjD5IPJ@Z"MDE]sm.Cs)}{n/JFtZ_!ms6g:8_\Xt hq[gGBqvZ(}%p&N"4t 4b2hEs Masonic politics is typically at its ugliest during elections when Brothers are charged with un-Masonic conduct for "electioneering." I find this all rather amusing as I believe our process for electing officers is far from perfect. Depending on the Grand Lodge, this can be anywhere from 18 to 25. Don't implement a new process to 450 lodges until it is . This requires secretaries (and possibly grand secretaries if different jurisdictions) to get involved, but is a somewhat common occurrence. The conventions are over, election day draws near, and the usual round of political rhetoric from candidates is blasted all over the TV, radio and internet, voters begin to wear out and are usually just ready for Election Day to be over with. endobj the South? The laws which govern the institution of Freemasonry are of two kinds, unwritten and written, and may in a manner be compared with the "lex non scripta," or common law, and the "lex seripta," or statute law of English and American jurists. 9. A person can nominate himself or herself. 5 0 obj ;D[{cv,#(145:n') HB280 - Allows a weapons carry license holder to hold a handgun concealed whereas on campus of public technical schools and public colleges. Apply a check mark to indicate the choice wherever . Only one (1) official website per Lodge will be recognized by the Grand Lodge and linked to by the Grand Lodge of Georgia's website. 7. Adam is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Pennsylvania and is employed as a Senior Manager of International Tax in Latrobe, PA. Mail or absentee ballots not arriving on time or mysteriously disappearing when the time comes to count them. Ballot voting is by far the surest way to allow for the free expression of the will of the membership. 3 ways to keep your Masonic Lodge from closing its doors At the Worshipful Master s order the Stewards distribute the ballots for the first position to be voted upon. Also, military lodges in foreign countries, often perform business meetings on the EA degree. . stream In counting the votes, the balloting committee must not confuse a majority vote with the highest number of votes. 6. The Senior Deacon presents the ballot for examination It is important to remember that once someone is elected, the election can't be rescinded unless there is some provision for it in the bylaws. The Code has two primary chapters that describe the process of voting in subordinate lodges. Each officer and member, before voting, must exchange the This method is applicable when, Appointing members to committees, if specified in the motion creating the committee, or if prescribed in the bylaws, Electing a presiding officer in a mass meeting. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> 10. Lodge Election Procedures "Worshipful Master (WM) or Preceding Officer" 1. First, the Entered Apprentice Degree, second, the Fellow Craft Degree and finally, the Master Mason Degree. Any blue lodge that does not hold annual election of officers is considered irregular by most Grand Lodges. Grand Master's Decisions on Masonic-Sponsored Meetings and Events 2. When holding ballot elections, you have two procedural options: Nominations for all offices conclude before any balloting begins. <> * Illegal votes are, Two or more marked ballots folded together (together they count as only one illegal vote). <> If the bylaws don't prohibit it, a person can be nominated for more than one office and can even serve in more than one office if elected. <> 7 0 obj cubes in the box. Taking nominations by mail is basically the same as taking nominations by ballot. These elections happen in the end of the year to elect the following years leadership team. ____ for the ensuing Masonic year. Past Masters have a standing in Masonic Law; certain duties may be assigned to them. Because this form of voting favors one candidate over another based on the order of nomination, you should avoid using it except in mass meetings or when there's no serious contest for the office and a ballot is not required. The Politics of Freemasonry | Freemason Information Freemasons meet in a temple, which they call a "lodge", as that is where ancient stonemasons met when working on a church or cathedral Lodges are grouped by region, roughly in line with the old. Freemasonry | Definition, History, Stages, Lodges, & Facts If not, the members can vote again during that meeting for another candidate. Election of Officers of a Lodge: CHAPTER 55: Installation of Officers of a Lodge: CHAPTER 56: Officers of a Lodge, Term, Resignation, and Title . Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox! We must open on the third and conduct all business that requires a vote on the third. Both a bank's president and janitor can apply for membership, and they're considered equally qualified. These Masonic rituals represent three degrees which are taken in sequence. When counting ballots, ballot counters need to keep a few key points in mind: Blank votes are treated as scrap paper and don't count at all. Masonic Rituals for the Blue Lodge - Ephesians 5:11 [Feedback]. Interestingly, some years ago, Virginia implemented a dues amnesty program. Blogs] [Links] been rejected by a Lodge shall again be proposed within six months after Rules may include how long the organization saves ballots and how long members can wait to challenge an election. I've never see a script or outline, but it should proceed as follows: That sounds like the CA required verbiage. Also, members rarely move to close nominations because, whenever no further nominations are offered, the chair usually just declares, "Hearing no further nominations, nominations for the office of [name the office] are closed.". Pause. Elections are decided by majority vote unless your bylaws provide differently. A motion to open nominations, when made by a member, is usually a motion to reopen nominations after they have been closed. {V++6o <>`ulr<>[lLDdTVVQ4Mt{<1iz;E If members are voting for offices that have staggered terms or that last more than a year, the secretary should include in the minutes when the term expires. The Masonic Oath is hugely significant, as it is represents a Masons' integrity and is an example of their strong bond to all other brothers within the fraternity. In most places, the answer is likely no. If something doesn't quite add up, a member should question it during the meeting. However, calling nominations from your seat is often impractical, so you may want to adopt a more formal nomination process. 1.01 Charter: This Lodge exists by virtue of a Charter, dated 20th day of January, 1892 from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Florida, and is located in the City of Clearwater, in the County of Pinellas, in the State of Florida. PDF The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio - Freemason a portion or all of the petition(s) reread? 10 0 obj <> One vote against the petitioner generally rejects him. In this case, the members must vote again until one candidate receives a majority vote. The Senior Deacon presents the ballot to each officer but their new year lodge elections and officer installations have been delayed due to their inability to meet. endstream shall be immediately retaken, when, if a blackball again appears, the 705 South Hercules Avenue. When called on to give the report, the chairman of the nominating committee states the nominations for each office. When the next meeting begins, the first order of business is to hear the report of the balloting committee and for the presiding officer to announce the vote that was taken at the previous meeting. endobj endobj A lodge which does not honor its Master, no matter how they personally feel about the man, himself, lacks Masonic . The Committee on Masonic Education and Information of . This method requires more time for the election process, making it probably best limited to smaller groups. All officers resume their stations and If the motion is adopted, the assembly can adjourn before the vote is announced if it has another meeting scheduled. Every day , before I retired, I would receive a wide variety of questions and comments from Constituent Lodge Secretaries and other officers, many of which are quite applicable to other lodges. _____ WM: "You will present the ballot to the officers and You simply say, "Mr. Chairman, I move that the chair appoint a committee of three to consider and make recommendations on the replacement of Mr. Exeter, who has resigned as chairman of the membership committee." A member shouldn't offer more than one nomination to a position if there are several seats for the same office such as for nominees to a board or a committee until all other members have had the opportunity to make nominations. If an EA is not attending, it is the option of the WM as to which lodge will be opened. The following shall be the methods of affiliation: 1. If you have only two candidates and the vote is a tie, you repeat the balloting until one candidate receives a majority. A member can rise and decline the nomination during the nominating process. <> the Lodge over all Masons, affiliated and unaffiliated, that live and reside within the territory from which the Lodge may receive petitions for the Degrees; and, (b) personal jurisdiction, which means the power of the Lodge over its own members wherever they may reside and ceases only when the Brother ceases to be a member of the Lodge. some brother of the Lodge other than the Secretary should tally and A Lodge supporting this vital outreach of the Foundation, will be properly noted. WM: "Have all of the brethren of _______________ However, it disadvantages candidates who lose an election for a position decided earlier and then can't serve a different position. applicant shall be declared rejected. Magazines Online] Further, I don't think I have ever seen a Lodge election where there isn't some form of politics involved. If your bylaws don't require you to conduct an election by ballot, and if candidates are unopposed or there's no major contest for an office, you can save time with a simple voice vote (or viva voce). 9 0 obj REG. From his home in Pocatello, Idaho, across almost 3000 miles of highway, Fred's car had given trouble, and now, at Henniker, N.H., the cooling system finally gave up. Past Masters of ____________ Lodge No. Masonic Lodge Election Procedure > 2023 One example occurs if a person is elected and then resigns, the office is considered vacant, and the president or board fills it by appointment instead of having another election. At the Worshipful Masters order the Stewards of Freemasonry, nor webmaster nor those of any This method gives voters an idea of the group's preferences without holding an actual election. As soon as the committee reports, it is discharged from its duties. election of officers in April each year. ",#(7),01444'9=82. ", WM: "Fair (cloudy) in the South, clear (dark) in the The way to fill out the Mason form form form online: To start the form, use the Fill camp; Sign Online button or tick the preview image of the document. should be destroyed. Nominations for each office are followed by the election for that office. 'xzwQ38/4b|T}R-g|7uhw 4!"icE)S7AEo Freemasonry promotes friendship, morality, and brotherly love among men of all races, religions, opinions, and backgrounds. Balloting for your acceptance into a Masonic lodge After the investigative committee reports to the lodge, your petition is voted on. The Worshipful Master orders the Wardens to take <> To which Blaise replies "Yeah, 200 bucks is pretty steep.". If the ballot vote decides an election, you're instructed to write the name of the nominee of your choice on your ballot. The advanced tools of the editor will guide you through the editable PDF template. If the lodge is not able to contact the individual after a reasonable period of time, the non-paying Mason is dropped (suspended). Lodge elections are performed via a Masonic Ballot Box. Ie!W2UP7MEdq-2Y+(jVW`Y, z?D;tr>[iqqF7!FR$uh?%b In determining how long to hold the ballots before destroying them, your main consideration is the possibility of needing a recount. Grand Secretary "Stuff" Information for Lodge Secretaries - December Every lodge is incorporated and required to have corporate officers. 2 0 obj Votes cast by illegal voters must not be counted at all, not even included in the number of total votes cast. Lodge No. APPOINTMENT. Freemasonry, the teachings and practices of the fraternal (men-only) order of Free and Accepted Masons, the largest worldwide secret societyan oath-bound society, often devoted to fellowship, moral discipline, and mutual assistance, that conceals at least some of its rituals, customs, or activities from the public (secret societies do not Election Master/Judge parliamentary procedure - My Freemasonry Your organization needs officers, maybe committee members, and other positions decided by a vote of the membership. A decision on how long to keep them can be made at the meeting when the vote takes place, or a short retention period for ballots can be adopted as a standing rule. An election is really nothing more than the handling of an assumed motion . States or elsewhere. Marshal takes up his place at the West Gate and the Junior Deacon report from the investigating committee. Nominees do not have to leave the room during the nominations, when the vote is taken, or when the vote is counted. The most important thing associations or governments can do is appoint conscientious and honest people to serve on the ballot counters' committee and to watch the polls. A newly raised Master . In Freemasonry, a brother's word is of paramount importance, so revealing the secrets of the ceremonies and rituals within the lodge after reciting the Masonic Oath is not permitted. programs and procedures of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, a Masonic District and their Lodge. If a member is elected and not present and has not previously said that if elected he or she will serve, someone should call the member to see if he or she will accept the office. 1. 3 0 obj You must log in or register to reply here. All Articles] [Masonic If a member votes for fewer choices than positions to be elected, the vote is legal and those votes count. Lodge Transfers : r/freemasonry - reddit A parade of misfortunes had culminated by forcing potato planter Fred Jensen to stop his cross-country dash 85 miles short of his destination. [Articles] [Masonic <>>> If it is discovered after an election that the person elected does not meet the eligibility requirements, and even if the person has begun to serve, the election is void. We can only drop to a different degree once we conclude that portion of the meeting. . If someone is not willing to serve, the committee needs to meet again and find another candidate. Here is how: You must first find a Masonic lodge location near you, contact them, and ask for a petition to join. Remember brethren, a 6 0 obj The Worshipful Master What it all means: A Worshipful Master simply depicts a deity or one in authority who is held in honor and considered as an honorable man. During an election, especially when ballot counters are not trained or when candidates are running in opposition, members may become aware of mistakes or illegal procedures in collecting or counting the ballots. The election process may be the easiest part of deciding who handles a particular job in the organization. 2017 2 PREFACE This Manual has been assembled to enable Brethren to better understand the laws, customs, programs and procedures of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, a Masonic District and their Lodge.