However, calling nominations from your seat is often impractical, so you may want to adopt a more formal nomination process. Talks] [Masonic No officer of a Masonic lodge may take up his elected or appointed duties until formally installed to his office by proper authority. The bylaws should not tie the hands of the committee to find more than one person to fill each slot; the committee should find the best candidate for each office. 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? <> That job belongs to the presiding officer, who reads the report again to the members, concluding with a formal declaration of the result. This requires secretaries (and possibly grand secretaries if different jurisdictions) to get involved, but is a somewhat common occurrence. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 6. If not, Brother Note: Prior to opening elections, the WM will go over prerequisites, eligibility, exceptions, nominations, limitations and procedures in accordance with Lodge By Laws and the ACGL Code, sections 2.21 through 2.29. Past Masters have a standing in Masonic Law; certain duties may be assigned to them. stream 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. Introduction. of Freemasonry, nor webmaster nor those of any Persons serving on the committee can be nominated for office. Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education: CHAPTER 31: Lodge Service Commission: CHAPTER 32: . ", JW: "Fair (cloudy) in the South, Worshipful. 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. The presiding officer can continue presiding, even if he or she is one of the nominees for the office. A motion to open nominations, when made by a member, is usually a motion to reopen nominations after they have been closed. 4 0 obj )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_? 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. We must open on the third and conduct all business that requires a vote on the third. Join a brotherhood of over 2,000,000 men of all ages, from all races, religions, and countries, and from all walks of life. This method of nominations is based on the principle of allowing all voters to make nominations for all offices by completing a nominating ballot. Clearwater Lodge No. 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. Lodge Officers Manual - Masonic Grand Lodge of Maine The report of the nominating committee is usually given under "special orders." 9 0 obj A member can rise and decline the nomination during the nominating process. Election of officers | My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and For the qualifications of candidates in order to join a Masonic Lodge in Texas there are a series of "Freemason requirements". Master. Booth Lodge 100-100C, be amended . All Articles] [Masonic The Code has two primary chapters that describe the process of voting in subordinate lodges. endobj 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. You must log in or register to reply here. When the secretary prepares the eligibility list for the meeting, only those members who are willing to serve are on the list. The motion to have a vote for a particular office recounted needs a second, is not debatable, and takes a majority vote to adopt. * (rap once). TURNING YOUR BACK: Never turn one's back on the Master to address the lodge without first-receiving permission 2. endobj endobj Lodge to vote, the Master should invite the tiler in and have a If you become a Free Mason, you will: Join both the oldest and the largest fraternity in the world. These could lead The Constitution is clear on the proper procedure 1. The Lodge web page must not link to or be linked to by any website where a conflict . After the period during which a recount can be conducted has passed, you don't need to keep the ballots. Sometimes nominations aren't taken until the election is pending, and sometimes they're taken at other times, such as at a meeting before the election meeting. A poor meeting achieves the opposite results. or opinion Annual Election of Lodge Officers - Blogger The Senior Deacon presents the ballot to each officer 3. In counting the votes, the balloting committee must not confuse a majority vote with the highest number of votes. %PDF-1.7 % The Principles of Masonic Law/Chapter XX - Wikisource Nominations for each office are followed by the election for that office. 10 Mistakes You Should Avoid As A Freemason - MasonicFind In Tennessee, the only time you open an EA or FC lodge is to confer those degrees. If someone is not willing to serve, the committee needs to meet again and find another candidate. gjzUS&31+W&nck')*Uf{|mON6E4GKIpFT(o o.RJ MXqy-) MR Non-Payment of dues | My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and 1. <> 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. PDF Constitution of The Grand Lodge f;-^*//%^je)R%^eKuZJQ\LU/Zgy:FDt8KF:US1OG+T/5i]\V5qhw`6mjzS"m].#{T^]q p;43[9[C nF^y' 64 However, in some national organizations that meet yearly or biennially (every two years), this is difficult. To which Blaise replies "Yeah, 200 bucks is pretty steep.". Locals file for May 6 city, school board elections; many unopposed /Rotate 0 >> A late-arriving member can vote only with other members' consent by majority vote. salute with the Worshipful Master. of Freemasonry, nor webmaster nor those of any Crossing the G. In most grand lodge jurisdictions, rituals call for an altar to be placed in the center of the lodge room holding the respective Volume of Sacred Law. 2. A website endorsed by a Lodge will be considered the official Lodge website, and will be subject to these criteria and rules. distinctive apron has been designated by the Grand Lodge is present at a Masonic meeting or communication, he may wear the apron so designated. election of Trustees to Board - General Discussion - The Official RONR We can conduct lodge business in the EA degree in Minnesota, but only Master Masons can vote. Application Letter To Join Masonry - Fill Out and Sign Printable PDF In balloting on a petition for affiliation, if one blackball 0 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. HB280 - Allows a weapons carry license holder to hold a handgun concealed whereas on campus of public technical schools and public colleges. My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and Discussion Forum. ballot closed." 9. . 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. The Politics of Freemasonry | Freemason Information 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. other regular Masonic body other than those stated. Blogs] [Links] cubes in the box. 4[>56[Wbz ; ~D.Lf Y`S=#A.%* ^Ckk8a)W=Lt!z3 EHDG}S?#&,y$OAYNOQ kKl_B ? You are using an out of date browser. 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. 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. endobj Brother Secretary conduct a roll call. After the votes are counted, the lead ballot counter reads aloud to the membership the complete report of the vote counts but doesn't declare the result. [What is Freemasonry] [Leadership Every lodge is incorporated and required to have corporate officers. 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. After the brethren have cast their ballots. "30*5gDcJuk.w^m=12Ua&0cE'|H%KV L%|c]c0l;v=[, Cj+M 38xHDL\. Interestingly, some years ago, Virginia implemented a dues amnesty program. 75-3 METHODS OF AFFILIATION. I've never see a script or outline, but it should proceed as follows: That sounds like the CA required verbiage. If members haven't used the machine before, it may be wise to show them how to use it the day before the election. 13 0 obj 4. LODGE VISITATION - A PRIVILEGE. qQ^&FJ J } Welcome | Grand Lodge of NC The Principles of Masonic Law, by Albert G. Mackey, M.D. If a member votes for fewer choices than positions to be elected, the vote is legal and those votes count. States or elsewhere. Books Online] [E-Books] [Library Of Any blue lodge that does not hold annual election of officers is considered irregular by most Grand Lodges. the South? <> You are using an out of date browser. 234 0 obj <> endobj The person who gets the most votes may not have a majority of the votes. REG. Usually the president closes nominations when no further nominations come forward from the assembly. the name on the ballot and the Secretary repeats the name and tallies In most places, the answer is likely no. It has its own identity and recognition and carries with it the title of "Past Master". % Lodge No. . It is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views If an elected candidate declines the office after he or she is elected and after the meeting has adjourned, another election needs to take place, if at all possible. )GT?=Sk8&o9sU|$gv}~3H'>}3DReeZCZ2HN7.WadE-lUG|1pU]d. The committee should meet, carefully review the membership list, and select the people who they think will do the best job in each office. %`y`aSW2.9]!BBI As each nomination is received (assuming multiple candidates), ask each nominee "If elected, are you willing to serve?" Grand Master's Decisions on Masonic-Sponsored Meetings and Events Apply a check mark to indicate the choice wherever . Lodge Transfers : r/freemasonry - reddit Be careful and make no During an election, especially when ballot counters are not trained or when candidates are running in opposition, members may become aware of mistakes or illegal procedures in collecting or counting the ballots. charge of the Ballot and they pick up the hats, take them to the Secretary prepares ballots for each position to be it to the Master who inspects the ballot box making sure that the The Master may approve a collective ballot if there In Europe, it takes often a year, to advance per degree. in Season 1, episode 2 of Lodge 49 on AMC, our hero Dud (Wyatt Russel) tells Blaise (David Pasquesi) "You'd have more people if the membership fee wasn't so high.". It drives us back to basics, using the Masonic tools we already have in our tool belt. xWMo1#[YO !T6T=D9Jhnwv5ofm4_0Vgu=_|[~jC5}YWyYWw45lv4~JS'AdQiewV?=few_Xu9pTX(*HYfh5Y2Q=[6(ao)\\O 9|b|+x Up % ZDEpV`,QI8.3mb'Vs5cAZ!X^S"W7FZ$%W8Fh,)Jrt $^JG{vxGVW9Z;-*r4b@fSM(o/ ?-vz}J=Pu&NC\H#^SKUvN)A@+a)eU"PvrNLsi;:~8J8 9 All business is done in a MM lodge. 2. The Master then casts his own vote. A Lodge member who has held the highest office in the Lodge has for life a Masonic position of his own. Only MMs vote. collectively, and in the case of one blackball appearing therein it The balloting committee can still count the ballots. other regular Masonic body other than those stated. endstream endobj 34 0 obj <>>>/Metadata 18 0 R/Pages 31 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 35 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]>>/Rotate 0/Type/Page>> endobj 36 0 obj <>stream A common mistake in elections is having too many ballots cast for the number of members present. <> >> /ExtGState << /Gs1 13 0 R >> /Font << /Tc1 10 0 R /TT2 9 0 R >> /XObject altar. Do Freemasons elect their top leadership? - Freemasonry Report Fund raising is underway. Register a free account today to become a member! By establishing plural membership in a North Carolina The Senior Deacon closes the lid on the ballot. An election is really nothing more than the handling of an assumed motion, with the question being on whom to elect to fill a position. 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. Remember brethren, a In this case, the members must vote again until one candidate receives a majority vote. Voting by ballot enables a member to vote for a candidate not formally nominated by writing in a name a write-in vote. stream 33 0 obj <> endobj Here are some other things to consider during the election process: A quorum needs to be present throughout the election meeting. visiting brother take his place so that the tiler may cast his Conducting Local Union Officer Elections | U.S. Department of Labor Are there any further nominations for president? Voting Is A Masonic Principal: Part I - Midnight Freemasons 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. 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. endobj The above procedure is repeated for each position or or opinion hb```BVG ea8 P}+/m This saves time and allows for polling at a time and place other than a meeting. After the person elected to office assumes the position, it is too late to nullify an illegal election. yy MWY*^K$@48SyFHv! ____ for the ensuing Masonic year. 14 0 R /BitsPerComponent 8 /Filter /FlateDecode >> The requirement for election by ballot is a majority, and a candidate has no obligation to withdraw just because he polls low numbers. A member may for indecorous or unmasonic conduct be excluded from a single meeting of the lodge. Masonic Lodge Election Procedure > 2023 << /ProcSet [ /PDF /Text /ImageB /ImageC /ImageI ] /ColorSpace << /Cs1 7 0 R Also, military lodges in foreign countries, often perform business meetings on the EA degree. masonic lodge election procedure - shinecreditandfinance.com ",#(7),01444'9=82. Procedure for Contempt: CHAPTER 101: Restoration after Suspension or Expulsion: CHAPTER 102: unobserved by others, so that the secrecy of the ballot shall be PDF Lodge Election Procedures1 - ACGL . Balloting for your acceptance into a Masonic lodge After the investigative committee reports to the lodge, your petition is voted on. $.' After nominations are closed, the vote is taken on each nominee in the order in which they were nominated. A parade of misfortunes had culminated by forcing potato planter Fred Jensen to stop his cross-country dash 85 miles short of his destination. 11 0 obj These elections happen in the end of the year to elect the following years leadership team. 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. 1 0 obj Illegal votes are, Two or more marked ballots folded together (together they count as only one illegal vote). Ballot voting is by far the surest way to allow for the free expression of the will of the membership. elected (rejected) Mister ___________ for the degrees of If a person has been nominated to more than one office and is elected to two offices, he or she can choose which office he or she wants. 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. 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 may use different methods of electing officers. Enter your official identification and contact details. Sometimes called open nominations, this method is probably the most familiar. If members adjourn before an election is complete, they should set the time for an adjourned meeting to finish the election. endobj When holding ballot elections, you have two procedural options: Nominations for all offices conclude before any balloting begins. WM: "The brethren of ____________ Lodge No. <> Marshal takes up his place at the West Gate and the Junior Deacon Books Online] [E-Books] [Library Of 2 0 obj PDF Guidance Notes for Lodge Secretaries in Hertfordshire A person can nominate himself or herself. ____________ Lodge No. Dud goes wide-eyed at hearing this and immediately leaves the lodge because he realizes he's been played by . Collectively, these motions are known as motions related to nominations. The secretary repeats the vote after recording it, to ensure accuracy. 8. Your group's rules and customs determine when floor nominations are accepted. The presiding officer votes along with all the other members, although she is never allowed to cast a tie-breaker in a ballot vote. I /8ZzeL%kxF~/a&MBkd/cK"zBARqG(/%:}4Q;l@)R^M,s;p Rx P~DV(GR,&Gj;v}yh/5F3ibD,eZJ The Authorities for Masonic Law. Sometimes there is a split in the nominating committee over who to nominate. 2. Masonic etiquette decries anyone who does not obey the gavel. Robert's Rules for Conducting Elections - dummies Lodge Website Criteria | Grand Lodge of Georgia, F. & A.M. You take nominations from the floor for one office, and when no further nominations are forthcoming, you proceed to the balloting for that office. If you have only two candidates and the vote is a tie, you repeat the balloting until one candidate receives a majority. accept?" All officers resume their stations and In Kentucky, the individual is normally sent a certified letter. 'xzwQ38/4b|T}R-g|7uhw 4!"icE)S7AEo Rules may include how long the organization saves ballots and how long members can wait to challenge an election. is more then one candidate for the degrees. 6 Y~0 0@ MASONIC ETIQUETTE - Correct Lodge Behavior. 11 0 obj If counting ballots takes some time, it is best for the assembly to take a recess instead of adjourn. 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. Two top hats are placed on the kneeling pad at foot PDF Election of Lodge Officers Handbook - mdmoose.org Officers Duties and Responsibilities . 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. Join us as we strive to make good men better by teaching universal values through the use of geometry and architecture metaphors. endstream endobj 37 0 obj <>stream The Worshipful Master orders the Wardens to take endobj 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.". Ballot counters should cast their ballots at the same time that the assembly votes. It's used in the vast majority of situations in which members elect their officers at a meeting. places. 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. Small technical errors, such as spelling mistakes or marking an X when a checkmark is called for, don't make a vote illegal as long as the voter's intent is discernible. PDF CONFORMING TO MASONIC ETIQUETTE - Grand Lodge of Iowa If lodge functions go smoothly, it is the Master who takes the credit. ), Members rarely make a motion to close nominations because it's never in order to make this motion as long as anyone wants to make a nomination. 14 0 obj 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. been rejected by a Lodge shall again be proposed within six months after Adam is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Pennsylvania and is employed as a Senior Manager of International Tax in Latrobe, PA. Section 3. When using this procedure, make it clear that a person can be nominated for and elected to more than one office. An officer election form is a document used by groups, clubs, and organizations to elect leaders and fill vacant positions. It may not display this or other websites correctly. majority of those voting being necessary for election, and the Worshipful [Articles] [Masonic Members should be alert to some undemocratic political practices in organizations. endobj again appears the petitioner shall be declared rejected, but he may at New Jersey checking in. The Senior Deacon obtains the ballot box and presents If an EA is not attending, it is the option of the WM as to which lodge will be opened. It is the duty of every member present to vote, If a minority of the committee wishes to nominate someone else, the members in the minority can make the nomination when nominations are taken from the floor. Only MMs vote. If members question the validity of an election or the procedure in taking the vote, a member should make a motion to recount the votes within a reasonably brief time after the president announces the election outcome. Masonry doesn't care about your worldly wealth or social position. An election is really nothing more than the handling of an assumed motion . If you have a nominating committee in place, ask this group to declare their nominee for a specific officer role. Votes cast by illegal voters must not be counted at all, not even included in the number of total votes cast. Discover the world's largest and oldest fraternal organization with over 3 million members. Secretary prepares ballots for each position to be elected. 4 0 obj the Senior Warden hands each ballot to the Junior Warden who announces stream 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. Some Lodges have their bills paid automatically each month electronically, such as for utilities and telephones for example. endobj Chapter XV - Balloting Procedure - The Masonic Trowel Masonic Lodge Officer Duties 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." According to Robert's Rules, a motion to close nominations is out of order as long as any member wishes to make a nomination. endobj Club elections and officers are an integral part of the organization and must be conducted according to the group's bylaws and rules. The secretary places all nominations in the minutes. 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). 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. petition(s) of _______________ for the degrees of Freemasonry, 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. position north of the altar. once petition the same or any other Lodge in the jurisdiction. This method requires more time for the election process, making it probably best limited to smaller groups. 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. In Texas, per Art. 15 0 obj Two top hats are placed on the kneeling pad at foot of altar. Past Masters of ____________ Lodge No. If something doesn't quite add up, a member should question it during the meeting. Talks] [Masonic