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. In Texas, per Art. Members then vote on a candidate to fill the remaining office. %%EOF 75-3 METHODS OF AFFILIATION. By signing a petition for the formation of a new lodge, [ Chapter 39] 2. A ballot shall be taken for the three degrees Is it permissible to hold election of officers in an EA lodge? 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.". One vote against the petitioner generally rejects him. 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! 8. is more then one candidate for the degrees. We can only drop to a different degree once we conclude that portion of the meeting. Join us as we strive to make good men better by teaching universal values through the use of geometry and architecture metaphors. 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. Same in NM amd OR. JFIF C 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. A parade of misfortunes had culminated by forcing potato planter Fred Jensen to stop his cross-country dash 85 miles short of his destination. 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. 246 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<75266C93CDC0804A95BB4A6C74B63ADD>]/Index[234 30]/Info 233 0 R/Length 67/Prev 302045/Root 235 0 R/Size 264/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream appears the ballot shall be immediately retaken, and if a blackball petition(s) of _______________ for the degrees of Freemasonry, shall be immediately retaken, when, if a blackball again appears, the endobj Do you However, we open the Lodge on the 3rd then call to refreshment, invite everyome in, after the ceremony the WM closes without form. REG. At the Worshipful Masters order the Wardens to 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. % An "irregular lodge" can be described as the type of Lodge that does have a charter from a Grand Lodge, but other Grand Lodges do not recognize its Grand lodge. I guess that would depend on the jurisdiction. endobj Master. It has its own identity and recognition and carries with it the title of "Past Master". It is considered a faux pas to cross . Once you're a Master Mason, you've got a few options. %PDF-1.5 % 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. 0 If you become a Free Mason, you will: Join both the oldest and the largest fraternity in the world. Introduction. 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. 1. At the Worshipful Masters order the Stewards Join a brotherhood of over 2,000,000 men of all ages, from all races, religions, and countries, and from all walks of life. Doing this may allow an unpopular or hand-picked candidate to get the office even though he or she was not elected. The election of lodge officers is an annual event, specified in the lodge bylaws. 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. 7. 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. Masonic Lodge Officer Duties For Their Term in Office: 1 Year Appointed Lodge Officer Positions: The other officers, which include the Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Senior Steward, Junior Steward, Marshal, Tiler and Chaplain are appointed positions by the Worshipful Master. These Masonic rituals represent three degrees which are taken in sequence. Some Lodges 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. 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. <> Don't implement a new process to 450 lodges until it is . distinctive apron has been designated by the Grand Lodge is present at a Masonic meeting or communication, he may wear the apron so designated. Customarily (although it's not required), the chair accomplishes this by calling three times for more nominations. APPOINTMENT. endobj If members adjourn before an election is complete, they should set the time for an adjourned meeting to finish the election. 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. 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. Lodge No. of Freemasonry, nor webmaster nor those of any Jump to content The Official RONR Q & A Forums altar. 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. 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 requirement for election by ballot is a majority, and a candidate has no obligation to withdraw just because he polls low numbers. LODGE VISITATION - A PRIVILEGE. States or elsewhere. Only MMs vote. This site is not an official site of any recognized Masonic body in the United 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. * mistake.". 4[>56[Wbz ; ~D.Lf Y`S=#A.%* ^Ckk8a)W=Lt!z3 EHDG}S?#&,y$OAYNOQ kKl_B ? Achieve this by asking them to hang out with you. 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. 4 0 obj 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. [Articles] [Masonic or opinion Any blue lodge that does not hold annual election of officers is considered irregular by most Grand Lodges. For the qualifications of candidates in order to join a Masonic Lodge in Texas there are a series of "Freemason requirements". Pause. You must come recommended by at least two existing Freemasons from the lodge you're petitioning. places. Robert's Rules on elections are very straightforward after what is often a politically charged prequel of nominating and campaigning. vote. 1. endobj 8. endobj JavaScript is disabled. ",#(7),01444'9=82. In determining how long to hold the ballots before destroying them, your main consideration is the possibility of needing a recount. Collectively, these motions are known as motions related to nominations. It's used in the vast majority of situations in which members elect their officers at a meeting. 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. 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. 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. A properly planned and executed meeting results in good participation. 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. 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 $^JG{vxGVW9Z;-*r4b@fSM(o/ ?-vz}J=Pu&NC\H#^SKUvN)A@+a)eU"PvrNLsi;:~8J8 9 Crossing the G. In most grand lodge jurisdictions, rituals call for an altar to be placed in the center of the lodge room holding the respective Volume of Sacred Law. 5. My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and Discussion Forum. Every lodge is incorporated and required to have corporate officers. The Senior Deacon presents the ballot to each officer In Kentucky, the individual is normally sent a certified letter. Here is how: You must first find a Masonic lodge location near you, contact them, and ask for a petition to join. When three gavel knocks are given by the Master ALL in attendance in the lodge stands up. At the end of each successful vote the ballots <> All business is done in a MM lodge. (rap). The Masonic Oath is hugely significant, as it is represents a Masons' integrity and is an example of their strong bond to all other brothers within the fraternity. The Senior Deacon closes the lid on the ballot. announce the results of the vote. The only exceptions are: (1) a newly instituted lodge, (2) one that has received written approval from the General Governor, based upon membership action, or (3) an emergency situation requiring the election to be changed or waived. <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 595.44 841.92] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> 6 Y~0 0@ hbbd``b`$+@9`~ $U@ AL Abo;I0 V!$B [What is Freemasonry] [Leadership Past Masters have a standing in Masonic Law; certain duties may be assigned to them. The Worshipful Master orders the Wardens to take * (rap once). Masonic Lodge Election Procedure HB89 - Tightens the time frames for issuance of firearms licenses by probate judges. At this time the If a member notices a mistake in procedure, he or she should immediately make the chair and assembly aware of his concerns. Ballot voting is the preferred voting method in situations in which knowing how all the members voted isn't desirable. takes up his place at the tilers door. %PDF-1.7 % place with the Senior and Junior Wardens alternating in calling the stream collect the ballots, the Deacons approach the altar, pick up the hats, may use different methods of electing officers. Register a free account today to become a member! Voting machines having wedges inserted to prevent the lever from going down all the way. 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 Talks] [Masonic Both a bank's president and janitor can apply for membership, and they're considered equally qualified. Development] [Education] [Masonic WM: "Brother Junior Warden, how stands the ballot in 1. 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. 14 0 R /BitsPerComponent 8 /Filter /FlateDecode >> JavaScript is disabled. Ballot voting is by far the surest way to allow for the free expression of the will of the membership. 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. If not, the members can vote again during that meeting for another candidate. When the nominations stop, the chair just declares nominations closed after making sure that no more nominations are forthcoming. The Secretary announces the results of the vote, a No candidate whose application has Books Online] [E-Books] [Library Of These could lead The Constitution is clear on the proper procedure Adam is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Pennsylvania and is employed as a Senior Manager of International Tax in Latrobe, PA. $.' NOTE: This is only a suggested procedure. <> 'xzwQ38/4b|T}R-g|7uhw 4!"icE)S7AEo <> Each incoming class of three shall consist of the incoming Junior Warden of the lodge (which has its own bylaws), and. The minutes may say, for example, "Eric Olson was elected to the board for two years. In the vote for the position of Worshipful Master If polling is conducted outside of a meeting, members should verify their credentials with election officials when casting their votes at the polls, and members' names should be checked on a list showing who has voted. Freemasonry's Requirements for Membership. rejection. When counting ballots, ballot counters need to keep a few key points in mind: Blank votes are treated as scrap paper and don't count at all. %`y`aSW2.9]!BBI <> HWG l!$"' g]9=3>3U}Zo.wjyiQo?\>,:lFYE#q IBZ.rwi/A%f_N'_LDX The brother responds. 12 0 obj 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. 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. >> /ExtGState << /Gs1 13 0 R >> /Font << /Tc1 10 0 R /TT2 9 0 R >> /XObject time immemorial. If the ballot vote decides an election, you're instructed to write the name of the nominee of your choice on your ballot. The appointive officers of the Grand Lodge, save the Deputy Grand Secretary, shall be MAKE SURE YOU READ YOUR GRAND LODGE CODE! An officer election form is a document used by groups, clubs, and organizations to elect leaders and fill vacant positions. 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. If it is discovered after an election that the person elected does not meet the eligibility requirements, and even if the person has begun to serve, the election is void. Remember brethren, a 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. <> All Articles] [Masonic hb```BVG ea8 P}+/m For this reason, members should listen carefully to the report of the ballot counters' committee. Each officer and member, before voting, must exchange the Your organization needs officers, maybe committee members, and other positions decided by a vote of the membership. The only way you can vote against a candidate is to vote for another person. Persons serving on the committee can be nominated for office. It is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views [What is New] Past Masters of ____________ Lodge No. You are using an out of date browser. As JPM of my lodge, I've been asked to serve in this role for our upcoming officer elections. 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[ It is important to remember that once someone is elected, the election can't be rescinded unless there is some provision for it in the bylaws. 1 0 obj The Masonic rituals provided here are as practiced under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Nevada, circa 1986. A write-in vote is a legal vote unless it's unintelligible or cast for an unidentifiable or ineligible person or for a fictitious character, in which case it's counted as an illegal vote. If members haven't used the machine before, it may be wise to show them how to use it the day before the election. This method requires more time for the election process, making it probably best limited to smaller groups. 15 0 obj Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education: CHAPTER 31: Lodge Service Commission: CHAPTER 32: . Motions to close nominations are usually unnecessary because the nomination process simply continues until no one wishes to make further nominations. The advanced tools of the editor will guide you through the editable PDF template. We can conduct lodge business in the EA degree in Minnesota, but only Master Masons can vote. The main advantage here is that it allows members to consider the election results of one office before proceeding to the election of another office. Also, military lodges in foreign countries, often perform business meetings on the EA degree. Blogs] [Links] Same in NM amd OR. Booth Lodge 100-100C, be amended . Talks] [Masonic [Articles] [Masonic A member has the right to vote until the polls are closed. To lend a professional air to the proceedings, suggest that brothers wear a collared shirt and tie, especially the candidates. 11 0 obj Illegal votes cast by legal voters count toward the total votes cast, but they don't count for any individual choice or candidate. j]Ic[faPhgcP0U0.!boS/]9[[3+:;:+:Q1DX. In most cases, the threshold is a majority of the votes cast. Yes, every year Masonic Lodges do have elections. 4. If no candidate is found, the committee can leave that slot open for nominations from the floor. distribute the ballots for the first position to be voted upon. The mechanics of the election are governed by a few sections of the Minnesota Masonic Code and quite a bit of lodge tradition. Are there any further nominations for president? He or she should present it to the assembly to decide what to do with the vote - whether to count it and toward what name to credit the vote. A common mistake in elections is having too many ballots cast for the number of members present. Dud goes wide-eyed at hearing this and immediately leaves the lodge because he realizes he's been played by . Two top hats are placed on the kneeling pad at foot of altar. cubes in the box. By transfer of membership, maintaining continuous membership, and 4. Sent from my LG-H811 using My Freemasonry Pro mobile app. election of officers in April each year. 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. 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. endobj Each question on a multipart ballot is counted as a separate ballot. If you have only two candidates and the vote is a tie, you repeat the balloting until one candidate receives a majority. 1. endobj <> The secretary places all nominations in the minutes. According to Robert's Rules, a motion to close nominations is out of order as long as any member wishes to make a nomination. Organizations can create and write election rules to correct this mistake. 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. *(cM YiVo~r049>Kwz,8*#]qVLB`l:HM\7Gj#?#PV(F"y@f4 @hbe2q&8%RYcM`uU;ap10n [Feedback]. States or elsewhere. )GT?=Sk8&o9sU|$gv}~3H'>}3DReeZCZ2HN7.WadE-lUG|1pU]d. In writing the nomination, election, and vacancy conditions in the bylaws, the organization should make sure that if a vacancy is created early in the term of office, the vacancy is filled by election instead of by appointment, whenever possible. Secretary prepares ballots for each position to be elected. 14 0 obj 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. [What is New] endobj Westside Toastmasters is located in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, California. If the lodge is not able to contact the individual after a reasonable period of time, the non-paying Mason is dropped (suspended). ", WM: "Fair (cloudy) in the South, clear (dark) in the masonic lodge election procedure; shkolla viktor hygo logo October 28, 2021. masonic lodge election procedure . endobj If an EA is not attending, it is the option of the WM as to which lodge will be opened. Magazines Online] For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. stream 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. the Senior Warden hands each ballot to the Junior Warden who announces Our officer installations aren't held during a tiled meeting (although they could be); they are open ceremonies with guests. The "lex non scripta," or unwritten law of Freemasonry is derived from the traditions, usages and customs of . Your group's rules and customs determine when floor nominations are accepted. endobj [ 11 0 R] 54 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[]/Index[33 34]/Info 32 0 R/Length 100/Prev 87331/Root 34 0 R/Size 67/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream <> 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. Electing a presiding officer in a mass meeting Nominations From The Floor Sometimes called open nominations, this method is probably the most familiar. All business is done in a MM lodge. 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. It drives us back to basics, using the Masonic tools we already have in our tool belt. The entire ballot counters' report should be included in the minutes of the meeting. 2. Work on making your brothers become better friends. AUTHORITY. 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 At the Worshipful Master s order the Stewards distribute the ballots for the first position to be voted upon. Votes cast by illegal voters must not be counted at all, not even included in the number of total votes cast. _____ For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. West and bright (black) in the East. 127. Further, I don't think I have ever seen a Lodge election where there isn't some form of politics involved. A member may for indecorous or unmasonic conduct be excluded from a single meeting of the lodge. Masonic Lodges, Masonic Organizations, and Youth Orders may conduct in-person meetings and events in compliance with county and city restrictions, if any. As each nomination is received (assuming multiple candidates), ask each nominee "If elected, are you willing to serve?" 13 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. Nominations are now open from the floor. Like any incidental main motion, an election can be decided by voice vote or by ballot. Masters are required to see that the ballot box is A lodge which does not honor its Master, no matter how they personally feel about the man, himself, lacks Masonic . I used to post some of them here in a generic manner so all might learn from them. 4 0 obj Ballot counters should cast their ballots at the same time that the assembly votes. endobj Books Online] [E-Books] [Library Of WM: "You will present the ballot to the officers and Development] [Education] [Masonic <>>> Fund raising is underway. << /Length 12 0 R /Type /XObject /Subtype /Image /Width 610 /Height 521 /ColorSpace 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. endobj In a voice vote, the winner is easy to determine and the vote is over when someone wins the election. Enter your official identification and contact details. 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. Be careful and make no Masonry doesn't care about your worldly wealth or social position. Here are some other things to consider during the election process: A quorum needs to be present throughout the election meeting. 2 0 obj gjzUS&31+W&nck')*Uf{|mON6E4GKIpFT(o o.RJ MXqy-) MR The duty of a nominating committee is to find the best candidate for each office. 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. Lodge to vote, the Master should invite the tiler in and have a 1. 33 0 obj <> endobj Only MMs vote. Some Lodges have their bills paid automatically each month electronically, such as for utilities and telephones for example. and the Past Masters around the Lodge and places the ballot box on the (The chair usually just announces the opening of nominations at the appointed time when they are in order. A newly raised Master . (After June 15, individual counties and cities could choose to continue their own meeting limitations, in which case those limitations would continue in force.) << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> 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. 66 0 obj <>stream A member can't make the motion to adjourn while the assembly is occupied with taking a vote, verifying a vote, or announcing a vote, except when the vote is by ballot. The election of lodge officers is an annual event, specified in the lodge bylaws. However, calling nominations from your seat is often impractical, so you may want to adopt a more formal nomination process. altar.". 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. 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. ", JW: "Fair (cloudy) in the South, Worshipful.
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