masonic lodge election procedure

3 ways to keep your Masonic Lodge from closing its doors Often the extra ballot comes from someone who has entered the assembly but has not signed in to the meeting. The presiding officer votes along with all the other members, although she is never allowed to cast a tie-breaker in a ballot vote. To which Blaise replies "Yeah, 200 bucks is pretty steep.". If you have only two candidates and the vote is a tie, you repeat the balloting until one candidate receives a majority. The election of lodge officers is an annual event, specified in the lodge bylaws. Magazines Online] masonic lodge election procedure - shinecreditandfinance.com 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. HWG l!$"' g]9=3>3U}Zo.wjyiQo?\>,:lFYE#q IBZ.rwi/A%f_N'_LDX One vote against the petitioner generally rejects him. The Worshipful Master orders the Wardens to take endstream endobj startxref When called on to give the report, the chairman of the nominating committee states the nominations for each office. WM: "The brethren of ____________ Lodge No. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> 13 0 obj Depending on your organization and the decisions being made, balloting may take place during a meeting, or polls may be open during polling periods including times when no meeting is in progress. The secretary places all nominations in the minutes. After the committee reports, the chair states: President: The nominating committee nominates Alex Shaw for president, Bianca Fernandez for vice president, Raymond Platt for secretary, and Donna Agnese for treasurer. %`y`aSW2.9]!BBI 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. Sometimes called open nominations, this method is probably the most familiar. 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. No one should be nominated without his or her consent because, if elected, the person may decline to serve and members will have to hold another election. If electronic machines are used for voting, they should be programmed so that each segment of the ballot is treated as if it were a separate ballot. elected (rejected) Mister ___________ for the degrees of If no candidate is found, the committee can leave that slot open for nominations from the floor. The presiding officer can continue presiding, even if he or she is one of the nominees for the office. 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. Some organizations add nominees to the ballot only if the name is submitted on a petition signed by some minimum number of members. Freemasonry | Definition, History, Stages, Lodges, & Facts hb```e``b`f``cg@ ~}"S-(1I)|p(0)P5oDurCAfG3f1,-- d$WZ3bVasYf`$exq> )Zg 4. <>>> If the committee does its job well, the membership can enjoy some basic assurance that the candidates nominated have at least expressed interest in the job, have agreed to serve, and are qualified for the offices for which they're nominated. 587 Talks] [Masonic *.MXPY!~@Aa%^ N&4D1la`:v@Ai,^t #. <> f;-^*//%^je)R%^eKuZJQ\LU/Zgy:FDt8KF:US1OG+T/5i]\V5qhw`6mjzS"m].#{T^]q p;43[9[C nF^y' 64 the vote. If the lodge is not able to contact the individual after a reasonable period of time, the non-paying Mason is dropped (suspended). The committee then has to find a new nominee, and the members have to vote again. Officer Election Form Template | Jotform Cell phones, chewing gum, crinkly snack wrappers and other distractions should be disallowed during a fraternity election (except during breaks). That job belongs to the presiding officer, who reads the report again to the members, concluding with a formal declaration of the result. As Masons, we hone our skills to apply their use, improving ourselves daily. 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. Blogs] [Links] A ballot shall be taken for the three degrees When the secretary mails the members a notice about the nomination and election meeting, the letter can include a request that members who do not wish to be considered for office notify the secretary in writing. ", WM: "Fair (cloudy) in the South, clear (dark) in the Masonic Lodge Election Procedure > 2023 collect the ballots and place the hats with the ballots at the The ballots are tallied very much like an election ballot, and the report becomes the list of nominees for each office. Talks] [Masonic inviolably preserved. The advanced tools of the editor will guide you through the editable PDF template. Pause. 9 0 obj Ballot counters should cast their ballots at the same time that the assembly votes. Elections are decided by majority vote unless your bylaws provide differently. Ballot voting is the preferred voting method in situations in which knowing how all the members voted isn't desirable. Do Freemasons elect their top leadership? - Freemasonry Report When nominations are taken from the floor or when a nominating ballot is used, a good practice is to provide the members with an eligibility list so that they are not nominating people who will not be able to serve. These rules supersede the adopted parliamentary authority. At this time the endobj No matter which procedure you use, the order in which you take up each election is the order in which the offices are listed in your bylaws. Lodge elections are performed via a Masonic Ballot Box. If the motion is adopted, the assembly can adjourn before the vote is announced if it has another meeting scheduled. PDF The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio - Freemason However only Masters can vote. No officer of a Masonic lodge may take up his elected or appointed duties until formally installed to his office by proper authority. The only exceptions are: (1) a newly instituted lodge, (2) one that has received written approval from the General Governor, based upon membership action, or (3) an emergency situation requiring the election to be changed or waived. Blogs] [Links] The Senior Deacon presents the ballot to each officer Enter your official identification and contact details. Officers Duties and Responsibilities . Motions to close nominations are usually unnecessary because the nomination process simply continues until no one wishes to make further nominations. Brethren, I declare that you have j]Ic[faPhgcP0U0.!boS/]9[[3+:;:+:Q1DX. 4 0 obj %PDF-1.5 Electing a presiding officer in a mass meeting Nominations From The Floor Sometimes called open nominations, this method is probably the most familiar. programs and procedures of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, a Masonic District and their Lodge. 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. 11 0 obj Balloting must continue until a candidate receives a majority. The Senior Deacon then takes up a ", WM: "How in the West, Brother Senior Warden? In most cases, the threshold is a majority of the votes cast. . On the Approaching Election to the Masonic Chairs 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 PDF INFORMATION ON MASONIC TRIALS - The Grand Lodge of Mississippi F & A It drives us back to basics, using the Masonic tools we already have in our tool belt. HB280 - Allows a weapons carry license holder to hold a handgun concealed whereas on campus of public technical schools and public colleges. When presenting the nominations or taking the vote for a list of offices, the president should follow the order of offices that appears in the bylaws. Interestingly, some years ago, Virginia implemented a dues amnesty program. 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! Sometimes there is a split in the nominating committee over who to nominate. of altar. The mechanics of the election are governed by a few sections of the Minnesota Masonic Code and quite a bit of lodge tradition. The organization must have another election. How Not to Be Stumped on Fraternity Elections - omegafi.com A write-in vote is a legal vote unless it's unintelligible or cast for an unidentifiable or ineligible person or for a fictitious character, in which case it's counted as an illegal vote. The entire ballot counters' report should be included in the minutes of the meeting. Masonic Lodge Officer Duties and Responsibilities [Feedback]. Your group's rules and customs determine when floor nominations are accepted. been rejected by a Lodge shall again be proposed within six months after If a member votes for more choices than positions to be elected, the vote is considered illegal. 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 Senior Deacon presents the ballot for examination The above procedure is repeated for each position or Here are things you can do to improve your fraternity while not being on a lodge officer: Strengthen the brotherhood - The foundation of brotherhood is the strength of the friendships between the brothers. Freemasonry (or Brother __________for affiliation)." Locals file for May 6 city, school board elections; many unopposed When the nominations stop, the chair just declares nominations closed after making sure that no more nominations are forthcoming. >> /ExtGState << /Gs1 13 0 R >> /Font << /Tc1 10 0 R /TT2 9 0 R >> /XObject If members haven't used the machine before, it may be wise to show them how to use it the day before the election. 2 0 obj Masonic Etiquette Summary: Masonic etiquette is simply the rules of good manners which make lodge meetings pleasant for everyone. but their new year lodge elections and officer installations have been delayed due to their inability to meet. For every expense, large or small, the Secretary is to write a voucher which is to be countersigned by the Worshipful Master and passed on to the Treasurer for payment. masonic lodge election procedure; shkolla viktor hygo logo October 28, 2021. masonic lodge election procedure . Masonic Lodge Election Procedure HB89 - Tightens the time frames for issuance of firearms licenses by probate judges. I've never performed or even practiced the role before, though via "osmosis," should be able to piece it together to at least a minimally functional level. Suddenly it's 3am. hmo@W}w*JGEa]/p o?_%au/$"p@ZPI 6AKFQt$8g!AHG[v;~&Wwu~|1xX21`9-Yd]%dsXQNxm -$we/mc5qrq:a/}4Y#A6,UX"{,S(JCs4l>nl,~nn%M&bt_zFPVJ_**#lU6uZe]Y[;M 6tvM{7W/225[n_SOmGP_4U_rH1v %m" &"`hh&q'I%D-rI$\\OScmalRCiPh_Th 7AN.RR9ou|r:9>NpT~XI|{&]MJ )FvJlC{hDRDT "DJc+^zrPl c[ 8 0 obj Our officer installations aren't held during a tiled meeting (although they could be); they are open ceremonies with guests. 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. Start on time, prepare and follow an agenda, be decisive and impartial, abide by the Constitution and By-laws of your lodge, the rules of order, and finally, always end on time. collect the ballots, the Deacons approach the altar, pick up the hats, We must open on the third and conduct all business that requires a vote on the third. 11 0 obj endstream ", SW: "Clear (dark) in the West, Worshipful. It is considered a faux pas to cross . 2 0 obj A member may for indecorous or unmasonic conduct be excluded from a single meeting of the lodge. Illegal votes cast by legal voters count toward the total votes cast, but they don't count for any individual choice or candidate. takes up his place at the tilers door. Robert's Rules sets out several methods of making nominations for positions: An organization can nominate candidates in several ways: This method is used whenever the membership wants to rely on the presiding officer to recommend candidates but also wants to reserve for itself (or its designee, such as the board of directors) the approval of the nominee. At the Worshipful Masters order the Wardens to Clearwater Lodge No. Can't interrupt a speaker who has the floor or a member making a nomination, Requires a majority vote (except the motion to close nominations, which requires a two-thirds vote), Can be reconsidered if it's a negative vote to reopen nominations. Further, I don't think I have ever seen a Lodge election where there isn't some form of politics involved. No candidate whose application has Whenever you need to specify a way to come up with nominees, as you probably will for situations your bylaws don't cover, you use a motion related to the method of nominations. It's used in the vast majority of situations in which members elect their officers at a meeting. 2. . Section 12: How To Run A Good Business Meeting - Masonic Grand Lodge of If your assembly's members are accountable to a constituency, your rules may require you to conduct your elections by roll-call vote. stream <> 15 0 obj 10. 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). The Code has two primary chapters that describe the process of voting in subordinate lodges. Magazines Online] The Master may approve a collective ballot if there This ceremony, revised in 2013 relies heavily on the work of the prolific Masonic author and commentator, Robert Macoy who first set it down in _____ cast their ballot?" will advance to the altar and cast their ballot. If officers assume their duties immediately after the meeting is adjourned, it is then too late to question the election. 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. Books Online] [E-Books] [Library Of Persons serving on the committee can be nominated for office. 9. or opinion The process of making floor nominations is subject to the following rules: Recognition by the chair is not required to make a nomination. The Anti-Masonic Party in the United States : 1826-1843 - Google Books Secretary prepares ballots for each position to be The duty of a nominating committee is to find the best candidate for each office. The Antimasonic party, whose avowed goal was the destruction of the Masonic Lodge and other secret societies, was the first influential third party in the United States and introduced the. Voting Is A Masonic Principal: Part I - Midnight Freemasons 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. The only way you can vote against a candidate is to vote for another person. collectively, and in the case of one blackball appearing therein it 5 0 obj 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! In writing the nomination, election, and vacancy conditions in the bylaws, the organization should make sure that if a vacancy is created early in the term of office, the vacancy is filled by election instead of by appointment, whenever possible. If you had to move before you finished receiving the three degrees of the blue lodge, you'd need lodge B to perform courtesy work. endstream Robert's Rules on elections are very straightforward after what is often a politically charged prequel of nominating and campaigning. When the nominating ballot is received, the signed inner envelope containing the ballot is logged in against a list of voting members, and the ballot is deposited in a receptacle for tallying like an election ballot. 705 South Hercules Avenue. (The chair usually just announces the opening of nominations at the appointed time when they are in order. ojx&^ 64>"> |&`mkG l[o;5``ek l[;5zk Vhp 5Pq_t.Z1lhp3M \H{Tl nF$UkavOv1nT#-`mkp;m ~l 3ohG nF_..}$38~?g}z+O}?.]7?"kR7tFWo'E^ "EJ*F/'NPTAT,4)/ItJl8KgHC#unG &;iL-;G[_gC 6{-sMIa{vN_CwNeCE +]`7)$k,2? Business meetings are held on the EA degree in European lodge. To help with the Masonic experience at Lodge meetings, you were allowed to open on any degree, and use the Chamber accept?" stream Chapter XV - Balloting Procedure - The Masonic Trowel Masonic Lodges, Masonic Organizations, and Youth Orders may conduct in-person meetings and events in compliance with county and city restrictions, if any. RESOLVED, that the Handbook of Masonic Law, Digest of Edicts, sec- Authors of Resolution: Bros. John F. tion on Perpetual Membership, pages Knox, Jr., P.M., W.H. Masters are required to see that the ballot box is 1. An officer election form is a document used by groups, clubs, and organizations to elect leaders and fill vacant positions. xU]o@|_cZR%q"b$*/}E(k nK6hb'_ D(|}5Dsq PBY%_'Dru.{,dW9PeOw9 d6!=#3r/iby+4C~9^-GT.d The requirement for election by ballot is a majority, and a candidate has no obligation to withdraw just because he polls low numbers. 1 0 obj PDF CONFORMING TO MASONIC ETIQUETTE - Grand Lodge of Iowa Grand Lodge Dues 24 Conducting an Election of Officers 24-25 Section . If members leave during the meeting so that a quorum is not present, those offices not yet elected must be put off until an adjourned meeting or until the next meeting. The Senior Deacon obtains the ballot box and presents State which position is open for election or re-election, and invite members of the organization to come forward with their nominations for the position. 98% sure that it is. The position of Worshipful Master in the East occupies the most exalted position within the lodge. Once you're a Master Mason, you've got a few options. x`TU?5%BBH*5XHRjD5IPJ@Z"MDE]sm.Cs)}{n/JFtZ_!ms6g:8_\Xt hq[gGBqvZ(}%p&N"4t 4b2hEs Yes, every year Masonic Lodges do have elections. A member can't make the motion to adjourn while the assembly is occupied with taking a vote, verifying a vote, or announcing a vote, except when the vote is by ballot. As each nomination is received (assuming multiple candidates), ask each nominee "If elected, are you willing to serve?" Past Masters of ____________ Lodge No. This example is based on moving to have nominations by committee, but the form is essentially the same for any of the methods. If anyone is elected, and it is discovered after the election that the person is not eligible, the election of that officer is null and void. shall be immediately retaken, when, if a blackball again appears, the unobserved by others, so that the secrecy of the ballot shall be Grand Master's Decisions on Masonic-Sponsored Meetings and Events Robert's Rules for Conducting Elections - dummies $.' Organizations can create and write election rules to correct this mistake. Masonic politics is typically at its ugliest during elections when Brothers are charged with un-Masonic conduct for "electioneering." I find this all rather amusing as I believe our process for electing officers is far from perfect. 5. The Trustees of the Charitable Foundation have authorized the "build out" of the Grand Lodge Library into the space formerly the drive through banking area. 4[>56[Wbz ; ~D.Lf Y`S=#A.%* ^Ckk8a)W=Lt!z3 EHDG}S?#&,y$OAYNOQ kKl_B ? Masonic Rituals for the Blue Lodge - Ephesians 5:11 0 - "The qualifications necessary are, that the candidate should be true and trusty, of good repute, held in high estimation amongst the fraternity, skilled in Masonic knowledge, and moreover a lover of the Craft; he . In most places, the answer is likely no. endobj Election of Officers of a Lodge: CHAPTER 55: Installation of Officers of a Lodge: CHAPTER 56: Officers of a Lodge, Term, Resignation, and Title . The Principles of Masonic Law/Chapter XX - Wikisource BALLOTING and LODGE ELECTIONS Excerpt from the Report of The Discipline Committee - Our 2014 Proceedings - Page 96: "The Committee also had its attention drawn to instances of irregular balloting procedures being of lodges. After the person elected to office assumes the position, it is too late to nullify an illegal election. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Using a nominating committee to assemble a list of willing and qualified candidates for office can greatly benefit members when the time comes to select their leaders. WM: "Brother Junior Warden, how stands the ballot in If this occurs and it does not affect the outcome of the vote, the election is still valid. In either case, you need to appoint reliable ballot counters to hand out and collect ballots and to count the votes. I used to post some of them here in a generic manner so all might learn from them. Or, they can tell members publicly that they do not have a nominee for a certain office; this allows members to volunteer. Taking nominations by mail is basically the same as taking nominations by ballot. However, it disadvantages candidates who lose an election for a position decided earlier and then can't serve a different position. The Committee on Masonic Education and Information of . election of Trustees to Board - General Discussion - The Official RONR The motion to have a vote for a particular office recounted needs a second, is not debatable, and takes a majority vote to adopt. In this case, the members must vote again until one candidate receives a majority vote. Rules may include how long the organization saves ballots and how long members can wait to challenge an election. endobj If not, Brother endobj 3. It is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views A motion to open nominations, when made by a member, is usually a motion to reopen nominations after they have been closed. Westside Toastmasters is located in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, California. The Guide is designed to be an easy-to-use reference based on the law and regulations as well as the knowledge and experience of OLMS staff.

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