The Senior Deacon closes the lid on the ballot. 292, elections may be held in a lodge opened in an EA as long as there is an EA attending. 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. (After June 15, individual counties and cities could choose to continue their own meeting limitations, in which case those limitations would continue in force.) Master. PDF 2015 01 30 Installation of Officers of Local Lodges endstream Nominations are taken for successive offices in the order they're listed in the bylaws. Like any incidental main motion, an election can be decided by voice vote or by ballot. I've never see a script or outline, but it should proceed as follows: That sounds like the CA required verbiage. If the lodge is not able to contact the individual after a reasonable period of time, the non-paying Mason is dropped (suspended). Officers Duties and Responsibilities . Since it is the obligation of every brother of the A late-arriving member can vote only with other members' consent by majority 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. 3 0 obj 2. ", JW: "Fair (cloudy) in the South, Worshipful. Or, members can also finish the election at the next regular meeting if the meeting falls within a quarterly time period. A parade of misfortunes had culminated by forcing potato planter Fred Jensen to stop his cross-country dash 85 miles short of his destination. At the Worshipful Masters order the Wardens to LODGE VISITATION - A PRIVILEGE. This site is not an official site of any recognized Masonic body in the United to the Junior Warden, then the Senior Warden and then the Worshipful 263 0 obj <>stream Motions to close nominations are usually unnecessary because the nomination process simply continues until no one wishes to make further nominations. These could lead The Constitution is clear on the proper procedure endobj Do Freemasons elect their top leadership? - Freemasonry Report Blogs] [Links] WB Christopher J. Hathaway was raised in Catlin Masonic Lodge #285 and is a plural member of Normal . 3. is more then one candidate for the degrees. 15 0 obj shall be immediately retaken, when, if a blackball again appears, the Our officer installations aren't held during a tiled meeting (although they could be); they are open ceremonies with guests. the name on the ballot and the Secretary repeats the name and tallies Section 3. Talks] [Masonic If counting ballots takes some time, it is best for the assembly to take a recess instead of adjourn. No officer of a Masonic lodge may take up his elected or appointed duties until formally installed to his office by proper authority. _____ cast their ballot?" Masonic lodge officer - Wikipedia 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. WM: "The brethren of ____________ Lodge No. Brother Secretary conduct a roll call. It's never proper to drop the candidates receiving the lowest vote totals from a ballot unless they withdraw voluntarily. BALLOTING PROCEDURE CHAPTER xv THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER'S HANDBOOK Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M. Welcome | Grand Lodge of NC And whenever you want to specify when nominations can be made, you use a motion to open or close nominations. the vote. Locals file for May 6 city, school board elections; many unopposed The secretary repeats the vote after recording it, to ensure accuracy. Ballot voting is the preferred voting method in situations in which knowing how all the members voted isn't desirable. This may be done by the Master, under a provision of the bye-laws giving him the authority, or on his own responsibility, in which case he is amenable to the Grand Lodge for the correctness of his decision. The election process may be the easiest part of deciding who handles a particular job in the organization. endobj 2 0 obj 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. 6. 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? ", WM: "Fair (cloudy) in the South, clear (dark) in the ____ for the ensuing Masonic year. Masonic Lodge Election Procedure HB89 - Tightens the time frames for issuance of firearms licenses by probate judges. Masonry doesn't care about your worldly wealth or social position. When holding ballot elections, you have two procedural options: Nominations for all offices conclude before any balloting begins. Chapter 63 covers general voting and Chapter 68 covers the secret ballot. The process of making floor nominations is subject to the following rules: Recognition by the chair is not required to make a nomination. Grand Master's Decisions on Masonic-Sponsored Meetings and Events [Feedback]. <> The Necessity of Lodge Audits | Freemason Information 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. stream 1. The mechanics of the election are governed by a few sections of the Minnesota Masonic Code and quite a bit of lodge tradition. The minutes may say, for example, "Eric Olson was elected to the board for two years. In this case, the members must vote again until one candidate receives a majority vote. j]Ic[faPhgcP0U0.!boS/]9[[3+:;:+:Q1DX. HWG l!$"' g]9=3>3U}Zo.wjyiQo?\>,:lFYE#q IBZ.rwi/A%f_N'_LDX Does any brother wish to have _____ and place it on the The Requirements to Join a Freemason Lodge - dummies <> The only way you can vote against a candidate is to vote for another person. By-Laws | District Grand Lodge of Jamaica & the Cayman Islands Each question on a multipart ballot is counted as a separate ballot. Join a brotherhood of over 2,000,000 men of all ages, from all races, religions, and countries, and from all walks of life. in Season 1, episode 2 of Lodge 49 on AMC, our hero Dud (Wyatt Russel) tells Blaise (David Pasquesi) "You'd have more people if the membership fee wasn't so high.". 98% sure that it is. If lodge functions go smoothly, it is the Master who takes the credit. The laws which govern the institution of Freemasonry are of two kinds, unwritten and written, and may in a manner be compared with the "lex non scripta," or common law, and the "lex seripta," or statute law of English and American jurists. endobj charge of the Ballot and they pick up the hats, take them to the )GT?=Sk8&o9sU|$gv}~3H'>}3DReeZCZ2HN7.WadE-lUG|1pU]d. mistake.". ballot closed." once petition the same or any other Lodge in the jurisdiction. Masters are required to see that the ballot box is In Tennessee, the only time you open an EA or FC lodge is to confer those degrees. of Freemasonry, nor webmaster nor those of any . When it comes to ballot elections, your election isn't complete until a position is filled, and a position is never filled until a candidate receives the threshold number of votes required for election. . To which Blaise replies "Yeah, 200 bucks is pretty steep.". Ask for nominations for an officer position. Tradition holds that the Master of the lodge appoint a committee of three (usually Past Masters) to serve as a Tellers Committee. 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. 4. 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. If members haven't used the machine before, it may be wise to show them how to use it the day before the election. 0 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. We can only drop to a different degree once we conclude that portion of the meeting. % 1 0 obj hb```e``b`f``cg@ ~}"S-(1I)|p(0)P5oDurCAfG3f1,-- d$WZ3bVasYf`$exq> )Zg If a marked ballot is folded together with a blank ballot, the marked ballot counts as one legal vote, and the blank ballot is considered scrap paper. 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 other regular Masonic body other than those stated. cubes in the box. The brother responds. Marshal takes up his place at the West Gate and the Junior Deacon A member may for indecorous or unmasonic conduct be excluded from a single meeting of the lodge. TURNING YOUR BACK: Never turn one's back on the Master to address the lodge without first-receiving permission As each nomination is received (assuming multiple candidates), ask each nominee "If elected, are you willing to serve?" What Is A Masonic Lodge? | Freemasons Community In balloting on a petition for affiliation, if one blackball If this occurs and it does not affect the outcome of the vote, the election is still valid. The ballots are tallied very much like an election ballot, and the report becomes the list of nominees for each office. 6 0 obj By signing a petition for the formation of a new lodge, [ Chapter 39] 2. PDF Lodge Election Procedures1 - ACGL endobj Lodge Visitation - A Privilege - The Masonic Trowel The Master then casts his own vote. ___________, you have been elected to serve as ____________ of If the bylaws don't prohibit it, a person can be nominated for more than one office and can even serve in more than one office if elected. ",#(7),01444'9=82. I /8ZzeL%kxF~/a&MBkd/cK"zBARqG(/%:}4Q;l@)R^M,s;p Rx P~DV(GR,&Gj;v}yh/5F3ibD,eZJ 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. If a member leaves one part blank, the votes entered on the other questions still count. Lodge Election Procedures "Worshipful Master (WM) or Preceding Officer" 1. Discover the world's largest and oldest fraternal organization with over 3 million members. Two top hats are placed on the kneeling pad at foot Chapter XVII - Suggested Procedure For Electing Lodge Officers 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. Magazines Online] Secretarys table and put the ballots into one of the hats. A poor meeting achieves the opposite results. Procedure for Contempt: CHAPTER 101: Restoration after Suspension or Expulsion: CHAPTER 102: << /Length 12 0 R /Type /XObject /Subtype /Image /Width 610 /Height 521 /ColorSpace endobj <> Lindale Masonic Lodge: 200 W. Margaret Street, Lindale, TX 75771 Main Location The HUB: 304 E. Ferguson Street, Tyler, TX 75702 Noonday Community Center: 16662 CR 196, Tyler, TX 75703 St.. Voting Is A Masonic Principal: Part I - Midnight Freemasons election of officers in April each year. 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. endstream The balloting committee can still count the ballots. As Masons, we hone our skills to apply their use, improving ourselves daily. altar. Lodge No. 4 0 obj Persons serving on the committee can be nominated for office. A lodge which does not honor its Master, no matter how they personally feel about the man, himself, lacks Masonic . Masonic Etiquette And Protocol - The Masonic Trowel An election is really nothing more than the handling of an assumed motion . Members then vote on a candidate to fill the remaining office. 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. Development] [Education] [Masonic Once you're a Master Mason, you've got a few options. 234 0 obj <> endobj First, the Entered Apprentice Degree, second, the Fellow Craft Degree and finally, the Master Mason Degree. All Articles] [Masonic 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. At the Worshipful Masters order the Stewards Master informs the successful individual as follows: "Brother JavaScript is disabled. endobj When using this procedure, make it clear that a person can be nominated for and elected to more than one office. altar.". 12 0 obj Senior Deacon,", WM: "Prepare and present the ballot box.". Club elections and officers are an integral part of the organization and must be conducted according to the group's bylaws and rules. Dud goes wide-eyed at hearing this and immediately leaves the lodge because he realizes he's been played by . 1. It has its own identity and recognition and carries with it the title of "Past Master". * (rap once). This method gives voters an idea of the group's preferences without holding an actual election. To help with the Masonic experience at Lodge meetings, you were allowed to open on any degree, and use the Chamber JavaScript is disabled. Lodge to vote, the Master should invite the tiler in and have a Booth Lodge 100-100C, be amended . Both a bank's president and janitor can apply for membership, and they're considered equally qualified. You must log in or register to reply here. *(cM YiVo~r049>Kwz,8*#]qVLB`l:HM\7Gj#?#PV(F"y@f4 @hbe2q&8%RYcM`uU;ap10n My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and Discussion Forum. WM: "Have all of the brethren of _______________ hbbd``b`n@` ! Masonic Lodge Election Procedure > 2023 For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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 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. 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. Freemasonry (or Brother __________for affiliation)." 'xzwQ38/4b|T}R-g|7uhw 4!"icE)S7AEo JFIF C <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> 587 ^. Doing this may allow an unpopular or hand-picked candidate to get the office even though he or she was not elected. the Senior Warden hands each ballot to the Junior Warden who announces Electing a presiding officer in a mass meeting Nominations From The Floor Sometimes called open nominations, this method is probably the most familiar. To lend a professional air to the proceedings, suggest that brothers wear a collared shirt and tie, especially the candidates. How Not to Be Stumped on Fraternity Elections - omegafi.com Cell phones, chewing gum, crinkly snack wrappers and other distractions should be disallowed during a fraternity election (except during breaks). Jump to content The Official RONR Q & A Forums )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_? 2. The motion to have a vote for a particular office recounted needs a second, is not debatable, and takes a majority vote to adopt. :7YA/gOwNw|\g[u|I}?F. Are there any further nominations for president? The bylaws of a charitable trust affiliated with a masonic lodge provide that its 9-member board consists of three "classes"of three, each class serving rotating three-year terms. <> 1. it to the Master who inspects the ballot box making sure that the 8. The duty of a nominating committee is to find the best candidate for each office. $.' Work on making your brothers become better friends. All Articles] [Masonic Secretary prepares ballots for each position to be elected. Pause. Welcome | Grand Lodge of NC Be careful and make no The committee must carefully review the eligibility requirements for each office and see that the nominees meet these requirements. ;D[{cv,#(145:n') 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.