Lodge to vote, the Master should invite the tiler in and have a places. ballot drawer is empty and that there are both white balls and black In the vote for the position of Worshipful Master Election of officers | My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and The election process may be the easiest part of deciding who handles a particular job in the organization. the vote. BALLOTING PROCEDURE CHAPTER xv THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER'S HANDBOOK Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M. If someone is not willing to serve, the committee needs to meet again and find another candidate. It is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views salute with the Worshipful Master. Masonic Etiquette Summary: Masonic etiquette is simply the rules of good manners which make lodge meetings pleasant for everyone. or opinion It varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Often the extra ballot comes from someone who has entered the assembly but has not signed in to the meeting. 2 0 obj 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. Sometimes the committee is revived to make nominations to fill vacancies. When the secretary prepares the eligibility list for the meeting, only those members who are willing to serve are on the list. Only MMs vote. Does any brother wish to have Two top hats are placed on the kneeling pad at foot of altar. 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. Voting machines having wedges inserted to prevent the lever from going down all the way. The balloting committee can still count the ballots. 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. The election of lodge officers is an annual event, specified in the lodge bylaws. Non-Payment of dues | My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and Lodge Transfers : r/freemasonry - reddit 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. 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). 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. [Articles] [Masonic 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. When holding ballot elections, you have two procedural options: Nominations for all offices conclude before any balloting begins. 3. The Closely Guarded Secrets of the Masonic Lodge - Freemasons Community ____ for the ensuing Masonic year. endobj 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 Get To Know Ohio Freemasonry's Grand Secretary | Freemason It's never proper to drop the candidates receiving the lowest vote totals from a ballot unless they withdraw voluntarily. Grand Lodge Officers - Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania 11 0 obj At the Worshipful Masters order the Wardens to 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. ____________ Lodge No. One of the most important franchises which the Masonic character offers is THE ELECTION OF MASTER FOR THE ENSUING TWELVE MONTHS. announce the results of the vote. TURNING YOUR BACK: Never turn one's back on the Master to address the lodge without first-receiving permission Votes cast by illegal voters must not be counted at all, not even included in the number of total votes cast. 4. Dues & Don'ts of Getting Into a Masonic Lodge | Freemason Network Apply a check mark to indicate the choice wherever . /Rotate 0 >> The appointive officers of the Grand Lodge, save the Deputy Grand Secretary, shall be [Feedback]. First, the Entered Apprentice Degree, second, the Fellow Craft Degree and finally, the Master Mason Degree. Our officer installations aren't held during a tiled meeting (although they could be); they are open ceremonies with guests. As JPM of my lodge, I've been asked to serve in this role for our upcoming officer elections. WM: "Brethren, you have heard read the * The report of the nominating committee is usually given under "special orders." endobj We can only drop to a different degree once we conclude that portion of the meeting. endobj Achieve this by asking them to hang out with you. My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and Discussion Forum. position north of the altar. How to Conduct an Election of Officers (with Pictures) - wikiHow _____ and place it on the The best thing an organization can do is adopt rules that tell how to proceed if a member challenges an election or if a person is illegally elected to office and has begun to serve. ___________, you have been elected to serve as ____________ of << /ProcSet [ /PDF /Text /ImageB /ImageC /ImageI ] /ColorSpace << /Cs1 7 0 R 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. Organizations can create and write election rules to correct this mistake. 0 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. 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. For this reason, members should listen carefully to the report of the ballot counters' committee. endobj x=o6 bP+SR[H7\AE>Dz- ^=(pH{'OE5Y%?jUMi?OOVy5'Vx_u5'ur|GY,*'yEL -R@$S0.SHdrV&g_;F0PJ1:|GXqNg The election of lodge officers is an annual event, specified in the lodge bylaws. If a member leaves one part blank, the votes entered on the other questions still count. According to Robert's Rules, a motion to close nominations is out of order as long as any member wishes to make a nomination. In counting the votes, the balloting committee must not confuse a majority vote with the highest number of votes. A ballot shall be taken for the three degrees [What is Freemasonry] [Leadership Discover the world's largest and oldest fraternal organization with over 3 million members. If not, Brother distinctive apron has been designated by the Grand Lodge is present at a Masonic meeting or communication, he may wear the apron so designated. As soon as the committee reports, it is discharged from its duties. If something doesn't quite add up, a member should question it during the meeting. Your organization needs officers, maybe committee members, and other positions decided by a vote of the membership. been rejected by a Lodge shall again be proposed within six months after 8 0 obj "If so, I declare the This saves time and allows for polling at a time and place other than a meeting. 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. 6. Lodge Election Procedures "Worshipful Master (WM) or Preceding Officer" 1. The election process may be the easiest part of deciding who handles a particular job in the organization. PDF INFORMATION ON MASONIC TRIALS - The Grand Lodge of Mississippi F & A . Or, members can also finish the election at the next regular meeting if the meeting falls within a quarterly time period. Like any incidental main motion, an election can be decided by voice vote or by ballot. Clearwater Lodge No. This site is not an official site of any recognized Masonic body in the United 5 0 obj If members haven't used the machine before, it may be wise to show them how to use it the day before the election. New Jersey checking in. We can conduct lodge business in the EA degree in Minnesota, but only Master Masons can vote. To help with the Masonic experience at Lodge meetings, you were allowed to open on any degree, and use the Chamber Nominations are taken for successive offices in the order they're listed in the bylaws. elected (rejected) Mister ___________ for the degrees of 4 0 obj States or elsewhere. Marshal takes up his place at the West Gate and the Junior Deacon PDF The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio - Freemason ;D[{cv,#(145:n') Once you're a Master Mason, you've got a few options. 587 Are there any further nominations for president? Introduction. The process of making floor nominations is subject to the following rules: Recognition by the chair is not required to make a nomination. %PDF-1.3 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. it to the Master who inspects the ballot box making sure that the 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. Freemasonry, the teachings and practices of the fraternal (men-only) order of Free and Accepted Masons, the largest worldwide secret societyan oath-bound society, often devoted to fellowship, moral discipline, and mutual assistance, that conceals at least some of its rituals, customs, or activities from the public (secret societies do not The Louisiana Freemason Spring 2020 Issue by Grand Lodge of Louisiana 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. If not, the members can vote again during that meeting for another candidate. place with the Senior and Junior Wardens alternating in calling the You are using an out of date browser. stream <> 16 0 obj AUTHORITY. Masonic Lodge Officer Duties stream Brethren, I declare that you have Chapter XV - Balloting Procedure - The Masonic Trowel Interestingly, some years ago, Virginia implemented a dues amnesty program. 33 0 obj <> endobj >> /ExtGState << /Gs1 13 0 R >> /Font << /Tc1 10 0 R /TT2 9 0 R >> /XObject ",#(7),01444'9=82. Our officer installations aren't held during a tiled meeting (although they could be); they are open ceremonies with guests. An officer election form is a document used by groups, clubs, and organizations to elect leaders and fill vacant positions. The entire ballot counters' report should be included in the minutes of the meeting. 15 0 obj Nominations for each office are followed by the election for that office. The Anti-Masonic Party in the United States : 1826-1843 - Google Books Lodge No. Masonic lodge officer - Wikipedia In a voice vote, the winner is easy to determine and the vote is over when someone wins the election. Welcome | Grand Lodge of NC 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. It has its own identity and recognition and carries with it the title of "Past Master". Fund raising is underway. report from the investigating committee. endobj In Kentucky, the individual is normally sent a certified letter. Only MMs vote. again appears the petitioner shall be declared rejected, but he may at will advance to the altar and cast their ballot. endobj Conducting Local Union Officer Elections | U.S. Department of Labor Chapter XVII - Suggested Procedure For Electing Lodge Officers Suggested Procedure For Electing Lodge Officers. Club elections and officers are an integral part of the organization and must be conducted according to the group's bylaws and rules. When the next meeting begins, the first order of business is to hear the report of the balloting committee and for the presiding officer to announce the vote that was taken at the previous meeting. - "The qualifications necessary are, that the candidate should be true and trusty, of good repute, held in high estimation amongst the fraternity, skilled in Masonic knowledge, and moreover a lover of the Craft; he . A member may for indecorous or unmasonic conduct be excluded from a single meeting of the lodge. A common mistake in elections is having too many ballots cast for the number of members present. <> If you have only two candidates and the vote is a tie, you repeat the balloting until one candidate receives a majority. %PDF-1.5 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. The organization must have another election. Lodge Officers Manual - Masonic Grand Lodge of Maine 0 That means run-offs are just plain out of order. Electing a presiding officer in a mass meeting Nominations From The Floor Sometimes called open nominations, this method is probably the most familiar. Robert's Rules of Order, Nominations And Elections - Westside Toastmasters However, calling nominations from your seat is often impractical, so you may want to adopt a more formal nomination process. 1. 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. 10 0 obj Cell phones, chewing gum, crinkly snack wrappers and other distractions should be disallowed during a fraternity election (except during breaks). Master. <> REG. 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. Your group's rules and customs determine when floor nominations are accepted. {V++6o <>`ulr<>[lLDdTVVQ4Mt{<1iz;E Illegal votes are, Two or more marked ballots folded together (together they count as only one illegal vote). Sometimes called open nominations, this method is probably the most familiar. 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. <> masonic lodge election procedure; shkolla viktor hygo logo October 28, 2021. masonic lodge election procedure . 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 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." If you have a nominating committee in place, ask this group to declare their nominee for a specific officer role. Members then vote on a candidate to fill the remaining office. Depending on your organization and the decisions being made, balloting may take place during a meeting, or polls may be open during polling periods including times when no meeting is in progress. As Masons, we hone our skills to apply their use, improving ourselves daily. [What is New] applicant shall be declared rejected. 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. hmo@W}w*JGEa]/p o?_%au/$"p@ZPI 6AKFQt$8g!AHG[v;~&Wwu~|1xX21`9-Yd]%dsXQNxm -$we/mc5qrq:a/}4Y#A6,UX"{,S(JCs4l>nl,~nn%M&bt_zFPVJ_**#lU6uZe]Y[;M 6tvM{7W/225[n_SOmGP_4U_rH1v %m" &"`hh&q'I%D-rI$\\OScmalRCiPh_Th 7AN.RR9ou|r:9>NpT~XI|{&]MJ )FvJlC{hDRDT "DJc+^zrPl c[ If members leave during the meeting so that a quorum is not present, those offices not yet elected must be put off until an adjourned meeting or until the next meeting. once petition the same or any other Lodge in the jurisdiction. 66 0 obj <>stream PDF Guidance Notes for Lodge Secretaries in Hertfordshire One vote against the petitioner generally rejects him. 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. 292, elections may be held in a lodge opened in an EA as long as there is an EA attending. Nominations don't have to be seconded, but it's not out of order for members to second a nomination to signal their endorsement. endstream endobj startxref Nominees do not have to leave the room during the nominations, when the vote is taken, or when the vote is counted. In most cases, the threshold is a majority of the votes cast. Nominations are now open from the floor. If lodge functions go smoothly, it is the Master who takes the credit. If counting ballots takes some time, it is best for the assembly to take a recess instead of adjourn. 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. The Senior Deacon presents the ballot to each officer 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. majority of those voting being necessary for election, and the Worshipful 263 0 obj <>stream PDF The NJ Freemason Spring 2019 - Grand Lodge of New Jersey shall be immediately retaken, when, if a blackball again appears, the The Master may approve a collective ballot if there 1. 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. stream All officers resume their stations and If a member votes for fewer choices than positions to be elected, the vote is legal and those votes count. 7 0 obj Robert's Rules for Conducting Elections - dummies It's used in the vast majority of situations in which members elect their officers at a meeting. The following shall be the methods of affiliation: 1. Officer Election Form Template | Jotform Locals file for May 6 city, school board elections; many unopposed endobj << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> %`y`aSW2.9]!BBI Blogs] [Links] <>>> Elections are decided by majority vote unless your bylaws provide differently. These rules supersede the adopted parliamentary authority. In balloting on a petition for affiliation, if one blackball Talks] [Masonic endstream 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! Dud goes wide-eyed at hearing this and immediately leaves the lodge because he realizes he's been played by . endobj It's used in the vast majority of situations in which members elect their officers at a meeting. The Senior Deacon obtains the ballot box and presents names. The brother responds. <> 1. All Articles] [Masonic How Not to Be Stumped on Fraternity Elections - omegafi.com % Freemasons explain the rituals and benefits of membership The Senior Deacon closes the lid on the ballot. 2. To which Blaise replies "Yeah, 200 bucks is pretty steep.". The Necessity of Lodge Audits | Freemason Information elected. Election of Officers of a Lodge: CHAPTER 55: Installation of Officers of a Lodge: CHAPTER 56: Officers of a Lodge, Term, Resignation, and Title . APPOINTMENT. * (rap once). In the vote for Secretary, unless he is retiring, 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! 6 Y~0 0@ On the Approaching Election to the Masonic Chairs visiting brother take his place so that the tiler may cast his After nominations are closed, the vote is taken on each nominee in the order in which they were nominated. programs and procedures of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, a Masonic District and their Lodge. collect the ballots and place the hats with the ballots at the Talks] [Masonic the South? Ballot voting is the preferred voting method in situations in which knowing how all the members voted isn't desirable. Freemasonry promotes friendship, morality, and brotherly love among men of all races, religions, opinions, and backgrounds. Here are some other things to consider during the election process: A quorum needs to be present throughout the election meeting. Masonic Lodge Officer Duties and Responsibilities rejection. The Grand Lodge was founded shortly after George I, the first Hanoverian king of the Kingdom of Great Britain, ascended to the throne on 1 August 1714 and the end of the first Jacobite rising of 1715.. Officially, the Grand Lodge of England was founded in London on St. John the Baptist's day, 24 June 1717, when four existing Lodges gathered at the Goose and Gridiron Ale-house in St. Paul's . Do you Only members entitled to vote are given ballots or are allowed to deposit ballots with a ballot counter or place them in the ballot receptacle. <> For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 98% sure that it is. collect the ballots, the Deacons approach the altar, pick up the hats, 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. At this time the 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. (1) A District Grand Lodge Fund shall be established for charitable and other Masonic purposes to which every Lodge in the District shall make in respect of each of its subscribing members annual contributions of $5000.00 or such lesser amount as the District Grand Lodge shall by resolution from time to time determine. Your group's rules and customs determine when floor nominations are accepted. ballot closed." ^. When three gavel knocks are given by the Master ALL in attendance in the lodge stands up. JavaScript is disabled. Robert's Rules on elections are very straightforward after what is often a politically charged prequel of nominating and campaigning. When called on to give the report, the chairman of the nominating committee states the nominations for each office. The Antimasonic party, whose avowed goal was the destruction of the Masonic Lodge and other secret societies, was the first influential third party in the United States and introduced the. appears the ballot shall be immediately retaken, and if a blackball Do Freemasons elect their top leadership? - Freemasonry Report Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education: CHAPTER 31: Lodge Service Commission: CHAPTER 32: . PDF Protocol & Etiquette Essentials :7YA/gOwNw|\g[u|I}?F. petition(s) of _______________ for the degrees of Freemasonry, After the person elected to office assumes the position, it is too late to nullify an illegal election. the name on the ballot and the Secretary repeats the name and tallies Using a nominating committee to assemble a list of willing and qualified candidates for office can greatly benefit members when the time comes to select their leaders. 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. Masonic Rituals for the Blue Lodge - Ephesians 5:11 Our officer installations aren't held during a tiled meeting (although they could be); they are open ceremonies with guests. It is considered a faux pas to cross . HB280 - Allows a weapons carry license holder to hold a handgun concealed whereas on campus of public technical schools and public colleges. You must come recommended by at least two existing Freemasons from the lodge you're petitioning.