endobj 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. cubes in the box. The entire ballot counters' report should be included in the minutes of the meeting. The assembly then votes again on the other office. other regular Masonic body other than those stated. WM: "You will present the ballot to the officers and Election of Officers of a Lodge: CHAPTER 55: Installation of Officers of a Lodge: CHAPTER 56: Officers of a Lodge, Term, Resignation, and Title . 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. x`TU?5%BBH*5XHRjD5IPJ@Z"MDE]sm.Cs)}{n/JFtZ_!ms6g:8_\Xt hq[gGBqvZ(}%p&N"4t 4b2hEs All eyes are upon the Master. First, the Entered Apprentice Degree, second, the Fellow Craft Degree and finally, the Master Mason Degree. Polls closing or opening at times different than the times posted. rejection. 14 0 obj Nominations for each office are followed by the election for that office. 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. Or, members can also finish the election at the next regular meeting if the meeting falls within a quarterly time period. Talks] [Masonic )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_? Books Online] [E-Books] [Library Of 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. Or, they can tell members publicly that they do not have a nominee for a certain office; this allows members to volunteer. A newly raised Master . Two top hats are placed on the kneeling pad at foot of altar. Master. A ballot shall be taken for the three degrees The election of lodge officers is an annual event, specified in the lodge bylaws. I've never see a script or outline, but it should proceed as follows: That sounds like the CA required verbiage. the Senior Warden hands each ballot to the Junior Warden who announces %PDF-1.5 "30*5gDcJuk.w^m=12Ua&0cE'|H%KV L%|c]c0l;v=[, Cj+M 38xHDL\. Club elections and officers are an integral part of the organization and must be conducted according to the group's bylaws and rules. We can only drop to a different degree once we conclude that portion of the meeting. When called on to give the report, the chairman of the nominating committee states the nominations for each office. 4. A properly planned and executed meeting results in good participation. place with the Senior and Junior Wardens alternating in calling the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education: CHAPTER 31: Lodge Service Commission: CHAPTER 32: . The secretary repeats the vote after recording it, to ensure accuracy. As JPM of my lodge, I've been asked to serve in this role for our upcoming officer elections. Voting by ballot enables a member to vote for a candidate not formally nominated by writing in a name a write-in vote. altar. In a ballot vote, after the ballot counters have collected all the ballots, a member can make the motion to adjourn. 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 If members haven't used the machine before, it may be wise to show them how to use it the day before the election. 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. << /Type /Page /Parent 3 0 R /Resources 6 0 R /Contents 4 0 R /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] A member of the committee should then be designated to call each nominee to see if he or she is willing to serve if elected. In determining how long to hold the ballots before destroying them, your main consideration is the possibility of needing a recount. The position of Worshipful Master in the East occupies the most exalted position within the lodge. <> If no candidate is found, the committee can leave that slot open for nominations from the floor. When two gavel knocks are heard, only officers of the lodge stand. The Senior Deacon obtains the ballot box and presents The committee should meet, carefully review the membership list, and select the people who they think will do the best job in each office. 2 0 obj Some organizations add nominees to the ballot only if the name is submitted on a petition signed by some minimum number of members. Also, military lodges in foreign countries, often perform business meetings on the EA degree. 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). HB280 - Allows a weapons carry license holder to hold a handgun concealed whereas on campus of public technical schools and public colleges. (or for affiliation) which has received a unanimously favorable endobj Join a brotherhood of over 2,000,000 men of all ages, from all races, religions, and countries, and from all walks of life. It is the duty of every member present to vote, _____ and place it on the % 8. 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 or opinion The above procedure is repeated for each position or Some Lodges (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 $5000.00 or such lesser amount as the District Grand Lodge shall by resolution from time to time determine. This site is not an official site of any recognized Masonic body in the United <> It is considered a faux pas to cross . A motion to open nominations, when made by a member, is usually a motion to reopen nominations after they have been closed. The minutes may say, for example, "Eric Olson was elected to the board for two years. However, we open the Lodge on the 3rd then call to refreshment, invite everyome in, after the ceremony the WM closes without form. Master informs the successful individual as follows: "Brother A parade of misfortunes had culminated by forcing potato planter Fred Jensen to stop his cross-country dash 85 miles short of his destination. <> altar.". 3. report from the investigating committee. The committee then has to find a new nominee, and the members have to vote again. of altar. endobj appears the ballot shall be immediately retaken, and if a blackball All Articles] [Masonic [Feedback]. 16 0 obj Can't interrupt a speaker who has the floor or a member making a nomination, Requires a majority vote (except the motion to close nominations, which requires a two-thirds vote), Can be reconsidered if it's a negative vote to reopen nominations. Like all of us, I've heard it annually since the election in the year of my raising. 4[>56[Wbz ; ~D.Lf Y`S=#A.%* ^Ckk8a)W=Lt!z3 EHDG}S?#&,y$OAYNOQ kKl_B ? To help with the Masonic experience at Lodge meetings, you were allowed to open on any degree, and use the Chamber 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 Authorities for Masonic Law. 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. If they don't set a time for an adjourned meeting, they can call a special meeting (if the bylaws allow this). 1. Two top hats are placed on the kneeling pad at foot endobj Masters are required to see that the ballot box is ", SW: "Clear (dark) in the West, Worshipful. If there is a question about the way a ballot is marked, the ballot counters should take it to the presiding officer. Pause. 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. Crossing the G. In most grand lodge jurisdictions, rituals call for an altar to be placed in the center of the lodge room holding the respective Volume of Sacred Law. Robert's Rules on elections are very straightforward after what is often a politically charged prequel of nominating and campaigning. Magazines Online] <> At the Worshipful Masters order the Stewards A member can rise and decline the nomination during the nominating process. 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. 7. It's used in the vast majority of situations in which members elect their officers at a meeting. endobj If officers assume their duties immediately after the meeting is adjourned, it is then too late to question the election. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. After the period during which a recount can be conducted has passed, you don't need to keep the ballots. 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. 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.. Development] [Education] [Masonic 4 0 obj 12 0 obj The election of lodge officers is an annual event, specified in the lodge bylaws. ", JW: "Fair (cloudy) in the South, Worshipful. You must log in or register to reply here. As Masons, we hone our skills to apply their use, improving ourselves daily. However only Masters can vote. Procedure for Contempt: CHAPTER 101: Restoration after Suspension or Expulsion: CHAPTER 102: endobj After the brethren have cast their ballots. Ballot counters present during the voting should be carefully instructed in their duties and should be able to explain to other members how to use the machine. once petition the same or any other Lodge in the jurisdiction. After nominations are closed, the vote is taken on each nominee in the order in which they were nominated. Only MMs vote. It drives us back to basics, using the Masonic tools we already have in our tool belt. I /8ZzeL%kxF~/a&MBkd/cK"zBARqG(/%:}4Q;l@)R^M,s;p Rx P~DV(GR,&Gj;v}yh/5F3ibD,eZJ Don't implement a new process to 450 lodges until it is . And whenever you want to specify when nominations can be made, you use a motion to open or close nominations. 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? 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. For this reason, members should listen carefully to the report of the ballot counters' committee. One of the most important franchises which the Masonic character offers is THE ELECTION OF MASTER FOR THE ENSUING TWELVE MONTHS. 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. APPOINTMENT. If an EA is not attending, it is the option of the WM as to which lodge will be opened. 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. {V++6o <>`ulr<>[lLDdTVVQ4Mt{<1iz;E Voting machines having wedges inserted to prevent the lever from going down all the way. Achieve this by asking them to hang out with you. Whatever nomination method you propose, be specific. It varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. ___________, you have been elected to serve as ____________ of 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. A late-arriving member can vote only with other members' consent by majority vote. Suddenly it's 3am. If the bylaws specifically address this situation, members should follow the bylaws. endobj endobj Sometimes called open nominations, this method is probably the most familiar. Lodge Election Procedures "Worshipful Master (WM) or Preceding Officer" 1. it to the Master who inspects the ballot box making sure that the No candidate whose application has If you had to move before you finished receiving the three degrees of the blue lodge, you'd need lodge B to perform courtesy work. This method of nominations is based on the principle of allowing all voters to make nominations for all offices by completing a nominating ballot. When presenting the nominations or taking the vote for a list of offices, the president should follow the order of offices that appears in the bylaws. 0 Start on time, prepare and follow an agenda, be decisive and impartial, abide by the Constitution and By-laws of your lodge, the rules of order, and finally, always end on time. and the Master may oblige him to do so. When the nominations stop, the chair just declares nominations closed after making sure that no more nominations are forthcoming. 3 0 obj Are there any further nominations for president? 8 0 obj x=o6 bP+SR[H7\AE>Dz- ^=(pH{'OE5Y%?jUMi?OOVy5'Vx_u5'ur|GY,*'yEL -R@$S0.SHdrV&g_;F0PJ1:|GXqNg Masonry doesn't care about your worldly wealth or social position. Usually the president closes nominations when no further nominations come forward from the assembly. Note: Prior to opening elections, the WM will go over prerequisites, eligibility, exceptions, nominations, limitations and procedures in accordance with Lodge By Laws and the ACGL Code, sections 2.21 through 2.29. A person can nominate himself or herself. AUTHORITY. stream At the Worshipful Masters order the Wardens to stream <> <> An officer election form is a document used by groups, clubs, and organizations to elect leaders and fill vacant positions. of the District of Columbia Since it is the obligation of every brother of the Lodge to vote, the Master should invite the tiler in and have a visiting brother take his place so that the tiler may cast his vote. Collectively, these motions are known as motions related to nominations. The Senior Deacon presents the ballot to each officer xU]o@|_cZR%q"b$*/}E(k nK6hb'_ D(|}5Dsq PBY%_'Dru.{,dW9PeOw9 d6!=#3r/iby+4C~9^-GT.d 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. endobj By transfer of membership, maintaining continuous membership, and 4. 2. Lodge No. 2. 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[ After the committee reports, the chair states: President: The nominating committee nominates Alex Shaw for president, Bianca Fernandez for vice president, Raymond Platt for secretary, and Donna Agnese for treasurer. Chapter 63 covers general voting and Chapter 68 covers the secret ballot. Past Masters have a standing in Masonic Law; certain duties may be assigned to them. It has its own identity and recognition and carries with it the title of "Past Master". 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. The process of making floor nominations is subject to the following rules: Recognition by the chair is not required to make a nomination. 10 0 obj The balloting committee can still count the ballots. 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. << /Im1 11 0 R >> >> For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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 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. Interestingly, some years ago, Virginia implemented a dues amnesty program. He serves as Chairman of the Trustees of Title to the Masonic Temple and other Real Estate of the Grand Lodge, is a Trustee of the Consolidated Fund and Trustee of the Masonic Charities Fund. JFIF C some brother of the Lodge other than the Secretary should tally and (The chair usually just announces the opening of nominations at the appointed time when they are in order. Illegal votes are, Two or more marked ballots folded together (together they count as only one illegal vote). ", WM: "Fair (cloudy) in the South, clear (dark) in the The Senior Deacon closes the lid on the ballot. Discover the world's largest and oldest fraternal organization with over 3 million members. Each question on a multipart ballot is counted as a separate ballot. 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. Business meetings are held on the EA degree in European lodge. Clearwater Lodge No. 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. <> 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. Sometimes the committee is revived to make nominations to fill vacancies. By establishing plural membership in a North Carolina When the secretary mails the members a notice about the nomination and election meeting, the letter can include a request that members who do not wish to be considered for office notify the secretary in writing. Sometimes there is a split in the nominating committee over who to nominate. To which Blaise replies "Yeah, 200 bucks is pretty steep.". [Articles] [Masonic Development] [Education] [Masonic Only MMs vote. Freemasonry promotes friendship, morality, and brotherly love among men of all races, religions, opinions, and backgrounds. Brother Secretary conduct a roll call. Organizations can create and write election rules to correct this mistake. 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. Masonic Lodges, Masonic Organizations, and Youth Orders may conduct in-person meetings and events in compliance with county and city restrictions, if any.