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Balloting

Balloting. July 2011. Introduction. A ballot is a type of vote, by which members of the Lodge express their approval or disapproval for a certain motion, a certain candidate, or a selection of candidates. The Masonic Lodge uses two types of ballots:

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Balloting

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  1. Balloting July 2011

  2. Introduction • A ballot is a type of vote, by which members of the Lodge express their approval • or disapproval for a certain motion, a certain candidate, or a selection of candidates. • The Masonic Lodge uses two types of ballots: • Paper Ballots – Election of Officers and Penal Matters • The Ballot Box – Symbolic degrees, Membership, and Reinstatement • Balloting is a moral obligation. • Balloting must be cast in secrecy. • Ballots must be cast with fairness and impartiality. • A Master Mason has the absolute right to vote as he pleases within the views of his • own conscience. • Balloting to reinstate member suspended for N.P.D. requires three-quarters majority.

  3. Rules for Balloting Using Paper Ballots Election of Officers • Slips of white paper are used for each elected position of the Lodge. • Each member present writes his choice on a slip of paper. • Members may vote for any Master Mason of the Lodge in good standing. • Paper ballots are returned to the Secretary for tabulation. • An individual with 50 percent or more of the ballots is elected. • Balloting continues until a 50%-plus majority is attained.

  4. Balloting Using Paper Ballots Penal Matters • Vote will be by Secret Written Ballot. • All members present must vote unless excused by vote of the Lodge. • Majority controls. • First Ballot – Guilty or Not Guilty • Second Ballot (if needed) --Type of Penalty • Reprimand • Suspension (requires second vote - definite or indefinite) • Expulsion

  5. Rules for Balloting on Petitions Using the Ballot Box • White balls are for approval; black cubes are for disapproval. • Must be done at a Stated Communication in a Lodge of Master Masons or by special permission of the Grand Lodge. • All members of the Lodge present at the time of voting must cast their ballot unless excused by a vote of the Lodge. • A single collective ballot may be taken on petitions for the degrees, • membership, and waiver of jurisdiction, but no more than for five of each. • Collective ballots may not be mixed (e.g. degrees and dual membership). • If a black cube appears during collective balloting, a separate ballot must be spread • for each individual petition.

  6. Balloting Using The Ballot Box • When voting on individual petitions, the ballot must be clear. If one or more black cubes appear, there must be a second ballot. • A negative vote on the second ballot is final and the Petitioner must wait • six months before he can resubmit. • If second ballot is clear, it is as if the first ballot never took place. It is null and void. • Under no other circumstances can a second ballot be taken. • Once cast, a negative vote is final and cannot be recalled to provide a clear petition. • When a Brother has been initiated or passed and has not stood proficient within 6 months, a new investigation and ballot is required but the Brother may continue his degree work pending reinvestigation and balloting. • Prior to balloting on a membership petition, member must leave Lodge room. • Worshipful Master should take steps to ensure a fair and full ballot.

  7. Balloting Process • Senior Deacon presents the ballot box to the WM, SW, JW, Treasurer and Secretary in turn for balloting at their respective stations. • After these ballots are cast, Senior Deacon places ballot box on the Altar. • WM asks members to form lines North and South of the Altar for balloting. • Senior Deacon controls balloting and is the last to cast his ballot. • Members approach the ballot box, one at a time, salute, and cast their ballots. • After casting his ballot, each member takes three small steps backward, turns and returns to his seat. • After casting his ballot, Senior Deacon delivers ballot box to JW, SW, and WM for Inspection.

  8. Rules for Balloting • WM asks JW, and SW how they find the ballot (clear or dark). • WM returns ballots back to their proper place in the ballot box and announces • result of balloting. • WM declares ballot closed and raps one time with his gavel.

  9. Summary • The balloting process within the Masonic Lodge is inviolably secret. • Except for the Holy Bible, the ballot is considered the most sacred thing • in the Lodge. • Every Mason owes to every petitioner a fair ballot, free from prejudice and • discrimination. • As a Mason and upright man, be true to your obligations, and never allow • personal spite or feelings to influence your behavior at the ballot box. . . .

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