stream 98% sure that it is. The mechanics of the election are governed by a few sections of the Minnesota Masonic Code and quite a bit of lodge tradition. This saves time and allows for polling at a time and place other than a meeting. % The Committee on Masonic Education and Information of . 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. 6 0 obj 4. Sometimes the committee is revived to make nominations to fill vacancies. may use different methods of electing officers. 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. JavaScript is disabled. some brother of the Lodge other than the Secretary should tally and In a voice vote, the winner is easy to determine and the vote is over when someone wins the election. Achieve this by asking them to hang out with you. 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. 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 drives us back to basics, using the Masonic tools we already have in our tool belt. To which Blaise replies "Yeah, 200 bucks is pretty steep.". Blogs] [Links] In Texas, per Art. When two gavel knocks are heard, only officers of the lodge stand. Remember brethren, a << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> 15 0 obj 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. endobj A motion to close nominations is usually not necessary unless it is apparent that members are nominating people just to honor them, and that the nominees have no intention of serving. Illegal votes cast by legal voters count toward the total votes cast, but they don't count for any individual choice or candidate. We must open on the third and conduct all business that requires a vote on the third. 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. 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. In a ballot vote, after the ballot counters have collected all the ballots, a member can make the motion to adjourn. Here is how: You must first find a Masonic lodge location near you, contact them, and ask for a petition to join. Booth Lodge 100-100C, be amended . 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. Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation. If the ballot vote decides an election, you're instructed to write the name of the nominee of your choice on your ballot. 66 0 obj <>stream The above procedure is repeated for each position or 4[>56[Wbz ; ~D.Lf Y`S=#A.%* ^Ckk8a)W=Lt!z3 EHDG}S?#&,y$OAYNOQ kKl_B ? Once you're a Master Mason, you've got a few options. That job belongs to the presiding officer, who reads the report again to the members, concluding with a formal declaration of the result. If the organization uses a nominating committee and then takes nominations from the floor, the secretary records the nominating committee's report first and then lists nominations for each office in the order they are presented as given by the members from the floor. * (rap once). ballot drawer is empty and that there are both white balls and black For the qualifications of candidates in order to join a Masonic Lodge in Texas there are a series of "Freemason requirements". endstream Or, they can tell members publicly that they do not have a nominee for a certain office; this allows members to volunteer. <> It is the duty of every member present to vote, "30*5gDcJuk.w^m=12Ua&0cE'|H%KV L%|c]c0l;v=[, Cj+M 38xHDL\. The entire ballot counters' report should be included in the minutes of the meeting. If your bylaws don't require you to conduct an election by ballot, and if candidates are unopposed or there's no major contest for an office, you can save time with a simple voice vote (or viva voce). By absolute demit, [ Chapter 76] 3. <> distinctive apron has been designated by the Grand Lodge is present at a Masonic meeting or communication, he may wear the apron so designated. The organization must have another election. inviolably preserved. unobserved by others, so that the secrecy of the ballot shall be hb```e``b`f``cg@ ~}"S-(1I)|p(0)P5oDurCAfG3f1,-- d$WZ3bVasYf`$exq> )Zg The secretary places all nominations in the minutes. petition(s) of _______________ for the degrees of Freemasonry, mistake.". As each nomination is received (assuming multiple candidates), ask each nominee "If elected, are you willing to serve?" 11 0 obj However, it disadvantages candidates who lose an election for a position decided earlier and then can't serve a different position. 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. 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. Brethren, I declare that you have 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. The Lodge web page must not link to or be linked to by any website where a conflict . A common mistake in elections is having too many ballots cast for the number of members present. * At this time the A person can nominate himself or herself. endstream 1 0 obj No officer of a Masonic lodge may take up his elected or appointed duties until formally installed to his office by proper authority. 0 We can conduct lodge business in the EA degree in Minnesota, but only Master Masons can vote. All business is done in a MM lodge. 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. Only MMs vote. It's used in the vast majority of situations in which members elect their officers at a meeting. 10. You must come recommended by at least two existing Freemasons from the lodge you're petitioning. vote. 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. All Articles] [Masonic The "lex non scripta," or unwritten law of Freemasonry is derived from the traditions, usages and customs of . Past Masters of ____________ Lodge No. 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 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. Fund raising is underway. The process of making floor nominations is subject to the following rules: Recognition by the chair is not required to make a nomination. %`y`aSW2.9]!BBI 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. 6 0 obj Like any incidental main motion, an election can be decided by voice vote or by ballot. 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." 14 0 obj REG. 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. Secretary prepares ballots for each position to be 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. 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. It varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. 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 endstream endobj startxref The Secretary announces the results of the vote, a endobj If you become a Free Mason, you will: Join both the oldest and the largest fraternity in the world. 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. Masonry doesn't care about your worldly wealth or social position. In counting the votes, the balloting committee must not confuse a majority vote with the highest number of votes. Annual Meeting Election and Installation of Officers Annual Past Masters Night Symbolic Degree Refresher Application Avouching Back to Lodge Night Bringing Freemasonry to the Attention of Profane Correspondence Dress Entering an Opened Lodge Examination of Visitors Example Sheet - Lodge Programs General Grand Honors *(cM YiVo~r049>Kwz,8*#]qVLB`l:HM\7Gj#?#PV(F"y@f4 @hbe2q&8%RYcM`uU;ap10n again appears the petitioner shall be declared rejected, but he may at ", SW: "Clear (dark) in the West, Worshipful. Ask for nominations for an officer position. [Feedback]. 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 It has its own identity and recognition and carries with it the title of "Past Master". 1. report from the investigating committee. <> The appointive officers of the Grand Lodge, save the Deputy Grand Secretary, shall be Books Online] [E-Books] [Library Of A ballot shall be taken for the three degrees 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. altar.". 2. These elections happen in the end of the year to elect the following years leadership team. <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> 2. A member may for indecorous or unmasonic conduct be excluded from a single meeting of the lodge. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Senior Deacon,", WM: "Prepare and present the ballot box.". 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. 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. Decision Making For Dummies. Taking nominations by mail is basically the same as taking nominations by ballot. time immemorial. so presented that each officer and member shall cast his ballot 1. After the period during which a recount can be conducted has passed, you don't need to keep the ballots. 11 0 obj once petition the same or any other Lodge in the jurisdiction. <> 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. [What is Freemasonry] [Leadership Adam is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Pennsylvania and is employed as a Senior Manager of International Tax in Latrobe, PA. These could lead The Constitution is clear on the proper procedure Nominees do not have to leave the room during the nominations, when the vote is taken, or when the vote is counted. 0 Blogs] [Links] Nominations don't have to be seconded, but it's not out of order for members to second a nomination to signal their endorsement. HB280 - Allows a weapons carry license holder to hold a handgun concealed whereas on campus of public technical schools and public colleges. (After June 15, individual counties and cities could choose to continue their own meeting limitations, in which case those limitations would continue in force.) Masonic Lodges, Masonic Organizations, and Youth Orders may conduct in-person meetings and events in compliance with county and city restrictions, if any. While the . 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. << /Length 12 0 R /Type /XObject /Subtype /Image /Width 610 /Height 521 /ColorSpace names. 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. Sometimes called open nominations, this method is probably the most familiar. If lodge functions go smoothly, it is the Master who takes the credit. Apply a check mark to indicate the choice wherever . Past Masters have a standing in Masonic Law; certain duties may be assigned to them. It's never proper to drop the candidates receiving the lowest vote totals from a ballot unless they withdraw voluntarily. Masonic Etiquette Summary: Masonic etiquette is simply the rules of good manners which make lodge meetings pleasant for everyone. TURNING YOUR BACK: Never turn one's back on the Master to address the lodge without first-receiving permission After nominations are closed, the vote is taken on each nominee in the order in which they were nominated. "If so, I declare the Election of Officers of a Lodge: CHAPTER 55: Installation of Officers of a Lodge: CHAPTER 56: Officers of a Lodge, Term, Resignation, and Title . %PDF-1.5 % 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 Robert's Rules on elections are very straightforward after what is often a politically charged prequel of nominating and campaigning. The Authorities for Masonic Law. 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. Your group's rules and customs determine when floor nominations are accepted. If there is a question about the way a ballot is marked, the ballot counters should take it to the presiding officer. endstream endobj 37 0 obj <>stream Voting by ballot enables a member to vote for a candidate not formally nominated by writing in a name a write-in vote. programs and procedures of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, a Masonic District and their Lodge. As soon as the committee reports, it is discharged from its duties. 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. 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. <> 3. 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. When the secretary prepares the eligibility list for the meeting, only those members who are willing to serve are on the list. Every lodge is incorporated and required to have corporate officers. Take security measures to protect the privacy of the nominating ballot; each member is instructed to fold his or her ballot inside a signed envelope and mail it back in an outer envelope. ), 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. An officer election form is a document used by groups, clubs, and organizations to elect leaders and fill vacant positions. 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. Persons serving on the committee can be nominated for office. The position of Worshipful Master in the East occupies the most exalted position within the lodge. It is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views Depending on the Grand Lodge, this can be anywhere from 18 to 25. Secretarys table and put the ballots into one of the hats. A newly raised Master . At the Worshipful Master s order the Stewards distribute the ballots for the first position to be voted upon. stream masonic lodge election procedure; shkolla viktor hygo logo October 28, 2021. masonic lodge election procedure . If members adjourn before an election is complete, they should set the time for an adjourned meeting to finish the election. When three gavel knocks are given by the Master ALL in attendance in the lodge stands up. 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. collect the ballots, the Deacons approach the altar, pick up the hats, These rules supersede the adopted parliamentary authority. 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 WM: "The brethren of ____________ Lodge No. or opinion At the Worshipful Masters order the Wardens to Some Lodges have their bills paid automatically each month electronically, such as for utilities and telephones for example. 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. The committee should meet, carefully review the membership list, and select the people who they think will do the best job in each office. the name on the ballot and the Secretary repeats the name and tallies Whatever nomination method you propose, be specific. 1. 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! Ballot voting is the preferred voting method in situations in which knowing how all the members voted isn't desirable. The election process may be the easiest part of deciding who handles a particular job in the organization. The election process may be the easiest part of deciding who handles a particular job in the organization. These Masonic rituals represent three degrees which are taken in sequence. WB Christopher J. Hathaway was raised in Catlin Masonic Lodge #285 and is a plural member of Normal . If your assembly's members are accountable to a constituency, your rules may require you to conduct your elections by roll-call vote. endobj [What is New] By transfer of membership, maintaining continuous membership, and 4. Some Lodges and the Master may oblige him to do so. 6 Y~0 0@ 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. endobj Each incoming class of three shall consist of the incoming Junior Warden of the lodge (which has its own bylaws), and. ____________ Lodge No. 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. Usually the president closes nominations when no further nominations come forward from the assembly. If a member leaves one part blank, the votes entered on the other questions still count. of altar. Yes, every year Masonic Lodges do have elections. Join a brotherhood of over 2,000,000 men of all ages, from all races, religions, and countries, and from all walks of life. 10 0 obj 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. Tradition holds that the Master of the lodge appoint a committee of three (usually Past Masters) to serve as a Tellers Committee. ", WM: "Fair (cloudy) in the South, clear (dark) in the 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. JavaScript is disabled. In most of the same grand lodge jurisdictions, there is also a G painted, sculpted, or otherwise suspended in the symbolic East of the lodge room (typically over the Master's chair).. Balloting for your acceptance into a Masonic lodge After the investigative committee reports to the lodge, your petition is voted on. 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. Members should be alert to some undemocratic political practices in organizations. West and bright (black) in the East. The following shall be the methods of affiliation: 1. Same in NM amd OR. %%EOF 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. 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. visiting brother take his place so that the tiler may cast his 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. [Articles] [Masonic Master informs the successful individual as follows: "Brother (or for affiliation) which has received a unanimously favorable If not, Brother 'xzwQ38/4b|T}R-g|7uhw 4!"icE)S7AEo *.MXPY!~@Aa%^ N&4D1la`:v@Ai,^t #. will advance to the altar and cast their ballot. Conducting an Election of Officers p. 25 Section III. The assembly then votes again on the other office. Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education: CHAPTER 31: Lodge Service Commission: CHAPTER 32: . A parade of misfortunes had culminated by forcing potato planter Fred Jensen to stop his cross-country dash 85 miles short of his destination. Ballot counters should cast their ballots at the same time that the assembly votes. Fatal Car Accident, Colorado Today, Was David Ogden Stiers Married, Articles M
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masonic lodge election procedure

masonic lodge election procedure

Don't implement a new process to 450 lodges until it is . All Articles] [Masonic The election of lodge officers is an annual event, specified in the lodge bylaws. In most cases, the threshold is a majority of the votes cast. ___________, you have been elected to serve as ____________ of In this case, the members must vote again until one candidate receives a majority vote. Polls closing or opening at times different than the times posted. Because fraud does happen in the election process, members need to be alert and watchful of the election process. 2. Discover the world's largest and oldest fraternal organization with over 3 million members. 4 0 obj << /ProcSet [ /PDF /Text /ImageB /ImageC /ImageI ] /ColorSpace << /Cs1 7 0 R When using this procedure, make it clear that a person can be nominated for and elected to more than one office. The mechanics of the election are governed by a few sections of the Minnesota Masonic Code and quite a bit of lodge tradition. My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and Discussion Forum. In determining how long to hold the ballots before destroying them, your main consideration is the possibility of needing a recount. 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. If the lodge is not able to contact the individual after a reasonable period of time, the non-paying Mason is dropped (suspended). 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. The Masonic rituals provided here are as practiced under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Nevada, circa 1986. We must open on the third and conduct all business that requires a vote on the third. 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. AUTHORITY. yy MWY*^K$@48SyFHv! 705 South Hercules Avenue. Election of Master and Treasurer 36 Exclusion under Rule 181 Procedures to be carried out 31,32 Files To be kept 5 Foreword 2 Forms Grand Lodge 5 Grand Rank Procedure 33 Hall Stone Jewel When it can be worn 18 Honorary Membership Disabilities, Election, Status 13 Installation Night Toast 19 Leaflets Information 5 % The Senior Deacon presents the ballot to each officer One vote against the petitioner generally rejects him. place with the Senior and Junior Wardens alternating in calling the Marshal takes up his place at the West Gate and the Junior Deacon majority of those voting being necessary for election, and the Worshipful When the nominating ballot is received, the signed inner envelope containing the ballot is logged in against a list of voting members, and the ballot is deposited in a receptacle for tallying like an election ballot. The Masonic Oath is hugely significant, as it is represents a Masons' integrity and is an example of their strong bond to all other brothers within the fraternity. Books Online] [E-Books] [Library Of 4. Lodge Election Procedures "Worshipful Master (WM) or Preceding Officer" 1. the Senior Warden hands each ballot to the Junior Warden who announces :7YA/gOwNw|\g[u|I}?F. If the bylaws specifically address this situation, members should follow the bylaws. x=o6 bP+SR[H7\AE>Dz- ^=(pH{'OE5Y%?jUMi?OOVy5'Vx_u5'ur|GY,*'yEL -R@$S0.SHdrV&g_;F0PJ1:|GXqNg [ 11 0 R] <> 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. [What is New] The Worshipful Master orders the Wardens to take Suggested Procedure For Electing Lodge Officers. altar. The motion to have a vote for a particular office recounted needs a second, is not debatable, and takes a majority vote to adopt. 3 0 obj After the person elected to office assumes the position, it is too late to nullify an illegal election. This site is not an official site of any recognized Masonic body in the United Both a bank's president and janitor can apply for membership, and they're considered equally qualified. All business is done in a MM lodge. 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.". takes up his place at the tilers door. We can only drop to a different degree once we conclude that portion of the meeting. WM: "Have all of the brethren of _______________ The Senior Deacon obtains the ballot box and presents $.' WM: "Brethren, you have heard read the 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. 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. This example is based on moving to have nominations by committee, but the form is essentially the same for any of the methods. 3. To help with the Masonic experience at Lodge meetings, you were allowed to open on any degree, and use the Chamber First, the Entered Apprentice Degree, second, the Fellow Craft Degree and finally, the Master Mason Degree. [Feedback]. 9 0 obj 263 0 obj <>stream 98% sure that it is. The mechanics of the election are governed by a few sections of the Minnesota Masonic Code and quite a bit of lodge tradition. This saves time and allows for polling at a time and place other than a meeting. % The Committee on Masonic Education and Information of . 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. 6 0 obj 4. Sometimes the committee is revived to make nominations to fill vacancies. may use different methods of electing officers. 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. JavaScript is disabled. some brother of the Lodge other than the Secretary should tally and In a voice vote, the winner is easy to determine and the vote is over when someone wins the election. Achieve this by asking them to hang out with you. 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. 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 drives us back to basics, using the Masonic tools we already have in our tool belt. To which Blaise replies "Yeah, 200 bucks is pretty steep.". Blogs] [Links] In Texas, per Art. When two gavel knocks are heard, only officers of the lodge stand. Remember brethren, a << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> 15 0 obj 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. endobj A motion to close nominations is usually not necessary unless it is apparent that members are nominating people just to honor them, and that the nominees have no intention of serving. Illegal votes cast by legal voters count toward the total votes cast, but they don't count for any individual choice or candidate. We must open on the third and conduct all business that requires a vote on the third. 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. 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. In a ballot vote, after the ballot counters have collected all the ballots, a member can make the motion to adjourn. Here is how: You must first find a Masonic lodge location near you, contact them, and ask for a petition to join. Booth Lodge 100-100C, be amended . 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. Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation. If the ballot vote decides an election, you're instructed to write the name of the nominee of your choice on your ballot. 66 0 obj <>stream The above procedure is repeated for each position or 4[>56[Wbz ; ~D.Lf Y`S=#A.%* ^Ckk8a)W=Lt!z3 EHDG}S?#&,y$OAYNOQ kKl_B ? Once you're a Master Mason, you've got a few options. That job belongs to the presiding officer, who reads the report again to the members, concluding with a formal declaration of the result. 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. * (rap once). ballot drawer is empty and that there are both white balls and black For the qualifications of candidates in order to join a Masonic Lodge in Texas there are a series of "Freemason requirements". endstream Or, they can tell members publicly that they do not have a nominee for a certain office; this allows members to volunteer. <> It is the duty of every member present to vote, "30*5gDcJuk.w^m=12Ua&0cE'|H%KV L%|c]c0l;v=[, Cj+M 38xHDL\. The entire ballot counters' report should be included in the minutes of the meeting. 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). By absolute demit, [ Chapter 76] 3. <> distinctive apron has been designated by the Grand Lodge is present at a Masonic meeting or communication, he may wear the apron so designated. The organization must have another election. inviolably preserved. unobserved by others, so that the secrecy of the ballot shall be hb```e``b`f``cg@ ~}"S-(1I)|p(0)P5oDurCAfG3f1,-- d$WZ3bVasYf`$exq> )Zg The secretary places all nominations in the minutes. petition(s) of _______________ for the degrees of Freemasonry, mistake.". As each nomination is received (assuming multiple candidates), ask each nominee "If elected, are you willing to serve?" 11 0 obj However, it disadvantages candidates who lose an election for a position decided earlier and then can't serve a different position. 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. 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. Brethren, I declare that you have 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. The Lodge web page must not link to or be linked to by any website where a conflict . A common mistake in elections is having too many ballots cast for the number of members present. * At this time the A person can nominate himself or herself. endstream 1 0 obj No officer of a Masonic lodge may take up his elected or appointed duties until formally installed to his office by proper authority. 0 We can conduct lodge business in the EA degree in Minnesota, but only Master Masons can vote. All business is done in a MM lodge. 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. Only MMs vote. It's used in the vast majority of situations in which members elect their officers at a meeting. 10. You must come recommended by at least two existing Freemasons from the lodge you're petitioning. vote. 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. All Articles] [Masonic The "lex non scripta," or unwritten law of Freemasonry is derived from the traditions, usages and customs of . Past Masters of ____________ Lodge No. 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 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. Fund raising is underway. The process of making floor nominations is subject to the following rules: Recognition by the chair is not required to make a nomination. %`y`aSW2.9]!BBI 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. 6 0 obj Like any incidental main motion, an election can be decided by voice vote or by ballot. 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." 14 0 obj REG. 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. Secretary prepares ballots for each position to be 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. 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. It varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. 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 endstream endobj startxref The Secretary announces the results of the vote, a endobj If you become a Free Mason, you will: Join both the oldest and the largest fraternity in the world. 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. Masonry doesn't care about your worldly wealth or social position. In counting the votes, the balloting committee must not confuse a majority vote with the highest number of votes. Annual Meeting Election and Installation of Officers Annual Past Masters Night Symbolic Degree Refresher Application Avouching Back to Lodge Night Bringing Freemasonry to the Attention of Profane Correspondence Dress Entering an Opened Lodge Examination of Visitors Example Sheet - Lodge Programs General Grand Honors *(cM YiVo~r049>Kwz,8*#]qVLB`l:HM\7Gj#?#PV(F"y@f4 @hbe2q&8%RYcM`uU;ap10n again appears the petitioner shall be declared rejected, but he may at ", SW: "Clear (dark) in the West, Worshipful. Ask for nominations for an officer position. [Feedback]. 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 It has its own identity and recognition and carries with it the title of "Past Master". 1. report from the investigating committee. <> The appointive officers of the Grand Lodge, save the Deputy Grand Secretary, shall be Books Online] [E-Books] [Library Of A ballot shall be taken for the three degrees 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. altar.". 2. These elections happen in the end of the year to elect the following years leadership team. <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> 2. A member may for indecorous or unmasonic conduct be excluded from a single meeting of the lodge. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Senior Deacon,", WM: "Prepare and present the ballot box.". 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. 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. Decision Making For Dummies. Taking nominations by mail is basically the same as taking nominations by ballot. time immemorial. so presented that each officer and member shall cast his ballot 1. After the period during which a recount can be conducted has passed, you don't need to keep the ballots. 11 0 obj once petition the same or any other Lodge in the jurisdiction. <> 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. [What is Freemasonry] [Leadership Adam is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Pennsylvania and is employed as a Senior Manager of International Tax in Latrobe, PA. These could lead The Constitution is clear on the proper procedure Nominees do not have to leave the room during the nominations, when the vote is taken, or when the vote is counted. 0 Blogs] [Links] Nominations don't have to be seconded, but it's not out of order for members to second a nomination to signal their endorsement. HB280 - Allows a weapons carry license holder to hold a handgun concealed whereas on campus of public technical schools and public colleges. (After June 15, individual counties and cities could choose to continue their own meeting limitations, in which case those limitations would continue in force.) Masonic Lodges, Masonic Organizations, and Youth Orders may conduct in-person meetings and events in compliance with county and city restrictions, if any. While the . 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. << /Length 12 0 R /Type /XObject /Subtype /Image /Width 610 /Height 521 /ColorSpace names. 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. Sometimes called open nominations, this method is probably the most familiar. If lodge functions go smoothly, it is the Master who takes the credit. Apply a check mark to indicate the choice wherever . Past Masters have a standing in Masonic Law; certain duties may be assigned to them. It's never proper to drop the candidates receiving the lowest vote totals from a ballot unless they withdraw voluntarily. Masonic Etiquette Summary: Masonic etiquette is simply the rules of good manners which make lodge meetings pleasant for everyone. TURNING YOUR BACK: Never turn one's back on the Master to address the lodge without first-receiving permission After nominations are closed, the vote is taken on each nominee in the order in which they were nominated. "If so, I declare the Election of Officers of a Lodge: CHAPTER 55: Installation of Officers of a Lodge: CHAPTER 56: Officers of a Lodge, Term, Resignation, and Title . %PDF-1.5 % 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 Robert's Rules on elections are very straightforward after what is often a politically charged prequel of nominating and campaigning. The Authorities for Masonic Law. 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. Your group's rules and customs determine when floor nominations are accepted. If there is a question about the way a ballot is marked, the ballot counters should take it to the presiding officer. endstream endobj 37 0 obj <>stream Voting by ballot enables a member to vote for a candidate not formally nominated by writing in a name a write-in vote. programs and procedures of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, a Masonic District and their Lodge. As soon as the committee reports, it is discharged from its duties. 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. 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. <> 3. 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. When the secretary prepares the eligibility list for the meeting, only those members who are willing to serve are on the list. Every lodge is incorporated and required to have corporate officers. Take security measures to protect the privacy of the nominating ballot; each member is instructed to fold his or her ballot inside a signed envelope and mail it back in an outer envelope. ), 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. An officer election form is a document used by groups, clubs, and organizations to elect leaders and fill vacant positions. 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. Persons serving on the committee can be nominated for office. The position of Worshipful Master in the East occupies the most exalted position within the lodge. It is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views Depending on the Grand Lodge, this can be anywhere from 18 to 25. Secretarys table and put the ballots into one of the hats. A newly raised Master . At the Worshipful Master s order the Stewards distribute the ballots for the first position to be voted upon. stream masonic lodge election procedure; shkolla viktor hygo logo October 28, 2021. masonic lodge election procedure . If members adjourn before an election is complete, they should set the time for an adjourned meeting to finish the election. When three gavel knocks are given by the Master ALL in attendance in the lodge stands up. 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. collect the ballots, the Deacons approach the altar, pick up the hats, These rules supersede the adopted parliamentary authority. 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 WM: "The brethren of ____________ Lodge No. or opinion At the Worshipful Masters order the Wardens to Some Lodges have their bills paid automatically each month electronically, such as for utilities and telephones for example. 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. The committee should meet, carefully review the membership list, and select the people who they think will do the best job in each office. the name on the ballot and the Secretary repeats the name and tallies Whatever nomination method you propose, be specific. 1. 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! Ballot voting is the preferred voting method in situations in which knowing how all the members voted isn't desirable. The election process may be the easiest part of deciding who handles a particular job in the organization. The election process may be the easiest part of deciding who handles a particular job in the organization. These Masonic rituals represent three degrees which are taken in sequence. WB Christopher J. Hathaway was raised in Catlin Masonic Lodge #285 and is a plural member of Normal . If your assembly's members are accountable to a constituency, your rules may require you to conduct your elections by roll-call vote. endobj [What is New] By transfer of membership, maintaining continuous membership, and 4. Some Lodges and the Master may oblige him to do so. 6 Y~0 0@ 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. endobj Each incoming class of three shall consist of the incoming Junior Warden of the lodge (which has its own bylaws), and. ____________ Lodge No. 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. Usually the president closes nominations when no further nominations come forward from the assembly. If a member leaves one part blank, the votes entered on the other questions still count. of altar. Yes, every year Masonic Lodges do have elections. Join a brotherhood of over 2,000,000 men of all ages, from all races, religions, and countries, and from all walks of life. 10 0 obj 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. Tradition holds that the Master of the lodge appoint a committee of three (usually Past Masters) to serve as a Tellers Committee. ", WM: "Fair (cloudy) in the South, clear (dark) in the 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. JavaScript is disabled. In most of the same grand lodge jurisdictions, there is also a G painted, sculpted, or otherwise suspended in the symbolic East of the lodge room (typically over the Master's chair).. Balloting for your acceptance into a Masonic lodge After the investigative committee reports to the lodge, your petition is voted on. 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. Members should be alert to some undemocratic political practices in organizations. West and bright (black) in the East. The following shall be the methods of affiliation: 1. Same in NM amd OR. %%EOF 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. 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. visiting brother take his place so that the tiler may cast his 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. [Articles] [Masonic Master informs the successful individual as follows: "Brother (or for affiliation) which has received a unanimously favorable If not, Brother 'xzwQ38/4b|T}R-g|7uhw 4!"icE)S7AEo *.MXPY!~@Aa%^ N&4D1la`:v@Ai,^t #. will advance to the altar and cast their ballot. Conducting an Election of Officers p. 25 Section III. The assembly then votes again on the other office. Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education: CHAPTER 31: Lodge Service Commission: CHAPTER 32: . A parade of misfortunes had culminated by forcing potato planter Fred Jensen to stop his cross-country dash 85 miles short of his destination. Ballot counters should cast their ballots at the same time that the assembly votes.

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