Don't implement a new process to 450 lodges until it is . the vote. In this case, the members must vote again until one candidate receives a majority vote. Like any incidental main motion, an election can be decided by voice vote or by ballot. will advance to the altar and cast their ballot. 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. After the period during which a recount can be conducted has passed, you don't need to keep the ballots. Collectively, these motions are known as motions related to nominations. 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). If this occurs and it does not affect the outcome of the vote, the election is still valid. 10. 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. << /Length 12 0 R /Type /XObject /Subtype /Image /Width 610 /Height 521 /ColorSpace . Discover the world's largest and oldest fraternal organization with over 3 million members. 9 0 obj Chapter 63 covers general voting and Chapter 68 covers the secret ballot. Two top hats are placed on the kneeling pad at foot Sometimes the committee is revived to make nominations to fill vacancies. In a voice vote, the winner is easy to determine and the vote is over when someone wins the election. the Senior Warden hands each ballot to the Junior Warden who announces When three gavel knocks are given by the Master ALL in attendance in the lodge stands up. endobj been rejected by a Lodge shall again be proposed within six months after If someone is not willing to serve, the committee needs to meet again and find another candidate. 1. The main advantage here is that it allows members to consider the election results of one office before proceeding to the election of another office. 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." In a ballot vote, after the ballot counters have collected all the ballots, a member can make the motion to adjourn. 3 0 obj endstream endobj startxref _____ cast their ballot?" Clearwater Lodge No. 127. 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. 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 an EA is not attending, it is the option of the WM as to which lodge will be opened. Doing this may allow an unpopular or hand-picked candidate to get the office even though he or she was not elected. A poor meeting achieves the opposite results. 7. 6 0 obj These could lead The Constitution is clear on the proper procedure <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 595.44 841.92] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> %%EOF By transfer of membership, maintaining continuous membership, and 4. Usually the president closes nominations when no further nominations come forward from the assembly. The Senior Deacon then takes up a All eyes are upon the Master. In most places, the answer is likely no. - "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 . If your assembly's members are accountable to a constituency, your rules may require you to conduct your elections by roll-call vote. All officers resume their stations and Past Masters of ____________ Lodge No. and the Past Masters around the Lodge and places the ballot box on the 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. Secretary prepares ballots for each position to be You must log in or register to reply here. places. <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> Often the extra ballot comes from someone who has entered the assembly but has not signed in to the meeting. of the District of Columbia Since it is the obligation of every brother of the Lodge to vote, the Master should invite the tiler in and have a visiting brother take his place so that the tiler may cast his vote. [Articles] [Masonic ^. Achieve this by asking them to hang out with you. 11 0 obj mistake.". Organizations can create and write election rules to correct this mistake. other regular Masonic body other than those stated. Join us as we strive to make good men better by teaching universal values through the use of geometry and architecture metaphors. 1 0 obj LODGE VISITATION - A PRIVILEGE. $.' 16 0 obj WB Christopher J. Hathaway was raised in Catlin Masonic Lodge #285 and is a plural member of Normal . Yes, every year Masonic Lodges do have elections. Rules may include how long the organization saves ballots and how long members can wait to challenge an election. 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. As JPM of my lodge, I've been asked to serve in this role for our upcoming officer elections. To which Blaise replies "Yeah, 200 bucks is pretty steep.". This site is not an official site of any recognized Masonic body in the United 4 0 obj We must open on the third and conduct all business that requires a vote on the third. TURNING YOUR BACK: Never turn one's back on the Master to address the lodge without first-receiving permission If the ballot vote decides an election, you're instructed to write the name of the nominee of your choice on your ballot. 4 0 obj An "irregular lodge" can be described as the type of Lodge that does have a charter from a Grand Lodge, but other Grand Lodges do not recognize its Grand lodge. I've never see a script or outline, but it should proceed as follows: That sounds like the CA required verbiage. accept?" First, the Entered Apprentice Degree, second, the Fellow Craft Degree and finally, the Master Mason Degree. In balloting on a petition for affiliation, if one blackball Your group's rules and customs determine when floor nominations are accepted. Talks] [Masonic some brother of the Lodge other than the Secretary should tally and endstream You can use a ballot vote to decide either a motion or an election: If the ballot vote decides a motion, the question is clearly stated by the chair, and you're instructed to mark your ballot Yes or No (or For or Against). If there is a question about the way a ballot is marked, the ballot counters should take it to the presiding officer. Section 3. and the Master may oblige him to do so. If not, Brother Nominations are taken for successive offices in the order they're listed in the bylaws. In Kentucky, the individual is normally sent a certified letter. Lodge to vote, the Master should invite the tiler in and have a Pause. Past Masters have a standing in Masonic Law; certain duties may be assigned to them. If no candidate is found, the committee can leave that slot open for nominations from the floor. This method requires more time for the election process, making it probably best limited to smaller groups. [What is New] Ballot voting is the preferred voting method in situations in which knowing how all the members voted isn't desirable. stream In most cases, the threshold is a majority of the votes cast. [What is Freemasonry] [Leadership 14 0 obj hbbd``b`n@` ! <> endobj And whenever you want to specify when nominations can be made, you use a motion to open or close nominations. 3 0 obj You are using an out of date browser. 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. Customarily (although it's not required), the chair accomplishes this by calling three times for more nominations. Each officer and member, before voting, must exchange the f;-^*//%^je)R%^eKuZJQ\LU/Zgy:FDt8KF:US1OG+T/5i]\V5qhw`6mjzS"m].#{T^]q p;43[9[C nF^y' 64 [Feedback]. If a member is not present to choose which office he or she wants to serve, the members vote on which office they want him or her to serve. 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. endobj 8. (rap). Masonic etiquette decries anyone who does not obey the gavel. An officer election form is a document used by groups, clubs, and organizations to elect leaders and fill vacant positions. However, we open the Lodge on the 3rd then call to refreshment, invite everyome in, after the ceremony the WM closes without form. <>>> States or elsewhere. may use different methods of electing officers. endobj If counting ballots takes some time, it is best for the assembly to take a recess instead of adjourn. endobj 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. Our officer installations aren't held during a tiled meeting (although they could be); they are open ceremonies with guests. Jewels of Masonic Secretary The Secretary's official duties include issuing the summons (a formal notice of an impending meeting, with time, date and agenda), recording meeting minutes, completing statistical returns to the Grand Lodge, and advising the Worshipful Master on matters of procedure. Jump to content The Official RONR Q & A Forums This site is not an official site of any recognized Masonic body in the United Work on making your brothers become better friends. As each nomination is received (assuming multiple candidates), ask each nominee "If elected, are you willing to serve?" Decision Making For Dummies. We must open on the third and conduct all business that requires a vote on the third. JavaScript is disabled. In Texas, per Art. Masonic Lodge Officer Duties For Their Term in Office: 1 Year Appointed Lodge Officer Positions: The other officers, which include the Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Senior Steward, Junior Steward, Marshal, Tiler and Chaplain are appointed positions by the Worshipful Master. place with the Senior and Junior Wardens alternating in calling the 1. j]Ic[faPhgcP0U0.!boS/]9[[3+:;:+:Q1DX. Business meetings are held on the EA degree in European lodge. 292, elections may be held in a lodge opened in an EA as long as there is an EA attending. Enter your official identification and contact details. Since it is the obligation of every brother of the Motions to close nominations are usually unnecessary because the nomination process simply continues until no one wishes to make further nominations. Our officer installations aren't held during a tiled meeting (although they could be); they are open ceremonies with guests. Voting machines having wedges inserted to prevent the lever from going down all the way. <> The Senior Deacon obtains the ballot box and presents Remember brethren, a The election of officers of the Grand Lodge shall be the first order of business at the afternoon session of the first day of each annual communication, unless a different time shall have been fixed by a two-thirds vote of the Grand Lodge. ;D[{cv,#(145:n') JavaScript is disabled. vote. Another problematic practice to watch out for is nominating someone for office who is not eligible. Elections are decided by majority vote unless your bylaws provide differently. the name on the ballot and the Secretary repeats the name and tallies Both a bank's president and janitor can apply for membership, and they're considered equally qualified. "If so, I declare the Nomination by petition is another method of nomination by mail; provisions must be made for it in the bylaws, and standard forms must be provided to candidates and electors upon request. <> Lodge Trustees and Charity Foundation become available for you and published in the members only area of our web site so that you know how Grand Lodge and its organizations are spending your money and conducting their business. 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. Robert's Rules on elections are very straightforward after what is often a politically charged prequel of nominating and campaigning. endobj 5. altar. stream <> The Authorities for Masonic Law. Marshal takes up his place at the West Gate and the Junior Deacon If the motion is adopted, the assembly can adjourn before the vote is announced if it has another meeting scheduled. 14 0 R /BitsPerComponent 8 /Filter /FlateDecode >> 15 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! WM: "You will present the ballot to the officers and By establishing plural membership in a North Carolina Chairman of Nominating Committee: Madam President, the nominating committee submits the following nominations: for president, Alex Shaw; for vice president, Bianca Fernandez; for secretary, Raymond Platt; and for treasurer, Donna Agnese. Two top hats are placed on the kneeling pad at foot of altar. Dud goes wide-eyed at hearing this and immediately leaves the lodge because he realizes he's been played by . If a member leaves one part blank, the votes entered on the other questions still count. In counting the votes, the balloting committee must not confuse a majority vote with the highest number of votes. One vote against the petitioner generally rejects him. You follow the same procedures for elections by ballot, as far as arriving at the point of the election is concerned, but instead of casting your vote by ballot, each member announces his vote when the secretary calls that person's name. Ballot voting is by far the surest way to allow for the free expression of the will of the membership. 54 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[]/Index[33 34]/Info 32 0 R/Length 100/Prev 87331/Root 34 0 R/Size 67/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream Also, military lodges in foreign countries, often perform business meetings on the EA degree. The position of Worshipful Master in the East occupies the most exalted position within the lodge. * (rap once). A member of the committee should then be designated to call each nominee to see if he or she is willing to serve if elected. Taking nominations by mail is basically the same as taking nominations by ballot. 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. elected. 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. Blogs] [Links] For this reason, members should listen carefully to the report of the ballot counters' committee. A late-arriving member can vote only with other members' consent by majority vote. xWMo1#[YO !T6T=D9Jhnwv5ofm4_0Vgu=_|[~jC5}YWyYWw45lv4~JS'AdQiewV?=few_Xu9pTX(*HYfh5Y2Q=[6(ao)\\O 9|b|+x Up % ZDEpV`,QI8.3mb'Vs5cAZ!X^S"W7FZ$%W8Fh,)Jrt $^JG{vxGVW9Z;-*r4b@fSM(o/ ?-vz}J=Pu&NC\H#^SKUvN)A@+a)eU"PvrNLsi;:~8J8 9 <> The laws which govern the institution of Freemasonry are of two kinds, unwritten and written, and may in a manner be compared with the "lex non scripta," or common law, and the "lex seripta," or statute law of English and American jurists. qQ^&FJ J } Each incoming class of three shall consist of the incoming Junior Warden of the lodge (which has its own bylaws), and. Club elections and officers are an integral part of the organization and must be conducted according to the group's bylaws and rules. When the secretary prepares the eligibility list for the meeting, only those members who are willing to serve are on the list. Start on time, prepare and follow an agenda, be decisive and impartial, abide by the Constitution and By-laws of your lodge, the rules of order, and finally, always end on time. Here are some other things to consider during the election process: A quorum needs to be present throughout the election meeting. A Lodge supporting this vital outreach of the Foundation, will be properly noted. 3. Sometimes there is a split in the nominating committee over who to nominate. 2. Does any brother wish to have HWG l!$"' g]9=3>3U}Zo.wjyiQo?\>,:lFYE#q IBZ.rwi/A%f_N'_LDX If lodge functions go smoothly, it is the Master who takes the credit. The election process may be the easiest part of deciding who handles a particular job in the organization. The Senior Deacon presents the ballot to each officer or opinion 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. 5 0 obj << /ProcSet [ /PDF /Text /ImageB /ImageC /ImageI ] /ColorSpace << /Cs1 7 0 R 1 0 obj Any blue lodge that does not hold annual election of officers is considered irregular by most Grand Lodges. At the end of each successful vote the ballots He serves as Chairman of the Trustees of Title to the Masonic Temple and other Real Estate of the Grand Lodge, is a Trustee of the Consolidated Fund and Trustee of the Masonic Charities Fund. )Cv`3!VOYe%K]'d4'kH&]x*"W.L+P|WUyl>TlUTZZh=7wE%4 DoH+5%Y+*:*2*&^Ol\Td4G]:^[DdVXQn*mNI#]Vv?v:]W6x H|z=|-!q1 oF?$Ul(V1C:[jhDe4nsl65gpr'fKuo2a0$T$W.6 ` 5SR_? programs and procedures of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, a Masonic District and their Lodge. AUTHORITY. Senior Deacon,", WM: "Prepare and present the ballot box.". 4[>56[Wbz ; ~D.Lf Y`S=#A.%* ^Ckk8a)W=Lt!z3 EHDG}S?#&,y$OAYNOQ kKl_B ? This example is based on moving to have nominations by committee, but the form is essentially the same for any of the methods. Master. 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. F powered by Dr. Stefanus Hadi, Ph.D. visit www.FLIVE.com email: club@flive.com follow Clubhouse: @stefanus send SMS Text to +1 213-749-8777 Los Angeles, California cubes in the box. Mail or absentee ballots not arriving on time or mysteriously disappearing when the time comes to count them. If a member votes for more choices than positions to be elected, the vote is considered illegal. 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 . You must come recommended by at least two existing Freemasons from the lodge you're petitioning. His term expires July, 2014.". All Articles] [Masonic HB280 - Allows a weapons carry license holder to hold a handgun concealed whereas on campus of public technical schools and public colleges. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> *.MXPY!~@Aa%^ N&4D1la`:v@Ai,^t #. Votes cast by illegal voters must not be counted at all, not even included in the number of total votes cast. 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 The election of lodge officers is an annual event, specified in the lodge bylaws. JFIF C 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. Nominations don't have to be seconded, but it's not out of order for members to second a nomination to signal their endorsement. The Senior Deacon presents the ballot for examination 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. or opinion 7 0 obj [What is New] report from the investigating committee. Or, they can tell members publicly that they do not have a nominee for a certain office; this allows members to volunteer. Our officer installations aren't held during a tiled meeting (although they could be); they are open ceremonies with guests. The advanced tools of the editor will guide you through the editable PDF template. After each nomination, the president repeats the name to the assembly. If they don't set a time for an adjourned meeting, they can call a special meeting (if the bylaws allow this). These elections are to vote on new top lodge officers in the blue lodge. ballot closed." 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. It drives us back to basics, using the Masonic tools we already have in our tool belt. Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation. %PDF-1.7 % ballot drawer is empty and that there are both white balls and black Ballot counters present during the voting should be carefully instructed in their duties and should be able to explain to other members how to use the machine. The process of making floor nominations is subject to the following rules: Recognition by the chair is not required to make a nomination. However only Masters can vote. The above procedure is repeated for each position or If a member votes for fewer choices than positions to be elected, the vote is legal and those votes count. 705 South Hercules Avenue. He or she should present it to the assembly to decide what to do with the vote - whether to count it and toward what name to credit the vote. 5 0 obj You take nominations from the floor for one office, and when no further nominations are forthcoming, you proceed to the balloting for that office. 12 0 obj <> No candidate whose application has The organization must have another election. In Europe, it takes often a year, to advance per degree. 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. endobj The committee should meet, carefully review the membership list, and select the people who they think will do the best job in each office. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. endstream Freemasonry (or Brother __________for affiliation)." 66 0 obj <>stream You are using an out of date browser. 11 0 obj stream . Each question on a multipart ballot is counted as a separate ballot. If members haven't used the machine before, it may be wise to show them how to use it the day before the election. Some organizations add nominees to the ballot only if the name is submitted on a petition signed by some minimum number of members. He is ultimately responsible for every other lodge officer and their duties, every lodge committee, ritual and degree work, Masonic education, social functions, fundraisers, District and Grand Lodge liaison, Trestle Board communication, etc. Only MMs vote. 3. Cell phones, chewing gum, crinkly snack wrappers and other distractions should be disallowed during a fraternity election (except during breaks). %PDF-1.3 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. _____ This requires secretaries (and possibly grand secretaries if different jurisdictions) to get involved, but is a somewhat common occurrence. Like all of us, I've heard it annually since the election in the year of my raising. 1. again appears the petitioner shall be declared rejected, but he may at x=o6 bP+SR[H7\AE>Dz- ^=(pH{'OE5Y%?jUMi?OOVy5'Vx_u5'ur|GY,*'yEL -R@$S0.SHdrV&g_;F0PJ1:|GXqNg As soon as the committee reports, it is discharged from its duties. It will take you step by step through the election process, help you to identify your responsibilities during each step, and provide suggestions to make your job easier. 2017 2 PREFACE This Manual has been assembled to enable Brethren to better understand the laws, customs, programs and procedures of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, a Masonic District and their Lodge. endobj It varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and Discussion Forum. The motion to have a vote for a particular office recounted needs a second, is not debatable, and takes a majority vote to adopt. (After June 15, individual counties and cities could choose to continue their own meeting limitations, in which case those limitations would continue in force.) hb```e``b`f``cg@ ~}"S-(1I)|p(0)P5oDurCAfG3f1,-- d$WZ3bVasYf`$exq> )Zg masonic lodge election procedure; shkolla viktor hygo logo October 28, 2021. masonic lodge election procedure . The Masonic rituals provided here are as practiced under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Nevada, circa 1986. altar.". collect the ballots, the Deacons approach the altar, pick up the hats, 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. The "lex non scripta," or unwritten law of Freemasonry is derived from the traditions, usages and customs of . If you become a Free Mason, you will: Join both the oldest and the largest fraternity in the world. Nominations for each office are followed by the election for that office. 6 Y~0 0@ This method of nominations is based on the principle of allowing all voters to make nominations for all offices by completing a nominating ballot. In the vote for the position of Worshipful Master All business is done in a MM lodge. it to the Master who inspects the ballot box making sure that the NOTE: This is only a suggested procedure. Robert's Rules on elections are very straightforward after what is often a politically charged prequel of nominating and campaigning. 2. The Committee on Masonic Education and Information of . When using this procedure, make it clear that a person can be nominated for and elected to more than one office. After the person elected to office assumes the position, it is too late to nullify an illegal election. You have to fill out and file with the Lodge Secretary a Petition for the Degrees of Freemasonry, pay the required fee, and attach a copy of your birth certificate. If members don't understand exactly how it works, the ones whose preferred candidate doesn't get voted on are likely to think something is amiss. _____ and place it on the The committee then has to find a new nominee, and the members have to vote again. These Masonic rituals represent three degrees which are taken in sequence. The assembly then votes again on the other office. Magazines Online] 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. 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. hb```BVG ea8 P}+/m To lend a professional air to the proceedings, suggest that brothers wear a collared shirt and tie, especially the candidates. Lodge No. 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.