Page 38 - MFM Aug Sept 2019

The Politics of Electioneering
and Its Impact on Membership and the Fraternity

It should be obvious to the most casual observer, that W. Bro. Tim Bryce expressed the topic of electioneering/
there has developed among a few a tendency to introduce politics this way: “For a society that is supposed to be
the idea into our Masonic elections those practices to devoid of politics, Freemasonry seems to have more than
obtain votes for friends that prevail in and should be its fair share. We see it in Grand Communications, in
confi ned to the profane world, which violate the ancient Masonic elections, and whenever we walk in the door of
and established general regulations of Freemasonry. There a Lodge. Man is, by nature a social and political animal
have been overtures at recent Annual Communications fraught with frailties and insecurities such as ambition,
attempting to pervert our fraternity by seeking to allow jealousy, suspicion, and hate. As Masons, we are taught to
electioneering. This needs to be addressed to all the subdue our passions and do what is right for Freemasonry
Craft, reminding all that electioneering is not allowed collectively, but as long as we have egos, we’ll always have
within Montana Freemasonry. politics. From this perspective, Masons are no diff erent
than the members of any other society.
“In our ancient regulations, it is declared that all A couple of reasons for the rise of politics in
preferment among Masons is grounded upon real worth Freemasonry; fi rst, there is a general lack of trust and
and personal merit only; that so the Lords may be well loyalty in today’s society where you are recognized more
served, the Brethren not put to shame, nor the Craft for rugged individualism as opposed to a team eff ort.
despised; therefore no Master or Warden {or other Consequently, there is more of a natural inclination to
Offi cers} is chosen by seniority but for his merit.”
compete as opposed to cooperate. Although the spirit
of Freemasonry is to work collectively, many of us have
The principle underlying a Masonic election is that the diffi culties subduing the attitudes of the outside world
most worthy shall receive the suff rages of his Brethren; or when we enter the Lodge. Second, as our membership
put another way “Vote for the Good of Masonry.” Hence, declines, many are beginning to panic over the fraternity’s
nominations which are the designating of particular future. And instead of trying to work collectively to
persons as candidates are unlawful by our usages. We can change this situation, we are divvying up sides as to
have no candidates in the usual acceptation of the term. who has the true faith to perpetuate the fraternity, the
This principle of free, voluntary, intelligent choice, more traditionalists or the reformists. Whereas a traditionalist
frequently becomes antagonized by the perversion and tends to be unbending, the reformist seeks to change the
practice of electioneering. The concept of electioneering status quo. True, certain traditions need to be observed
is prevalent in the outside world and has crept into some in Freemasonry, but not at the expense of losing touch
of our Lodges and some attempt to bring it into Grand with a changing world. But it is this polarization that
Lodge. We see more “brothers” and those who feel that is fueling the politics of Freemasonry at all levels. The
they are important and try to demand brothers votes. reality, of course, is that we need a careful balance of
He who is so forgetful of the proprieties as to resort to both traditions and reforms; you simply cannot have
personal solicitation for election to offi ce should fi nd his one without the other. For example, consider some of
true place when the result of a ballot is declared, and fi nd the religions of the world who are considered out of step
themselves at the foot of the ballot. Electioneering is un- with the times. Critics scoff at some of their customs and
Masonic and wrong and should not be tolerated.
beliefs. But hard-line traditionalists claim they have the
true faith and everyone else is an infi del. Reformists, on
To quote our MWPGM Cornelius Hedges “There is the other hand, see the traditionalists as barbaric and
one, and only one Masonic way to seek offi ce and that is believe they have a more contemporary perspective on
by best deserving it. Offi ce gained and held by merit is an their religion. Politics at this level is about who has the
honor to the bearer, and to those who bestow it, otherwise dominant ideologue and seeks control. We see this in
a dishonor...There is more satisfying enjoyment to the government (conservatives versus liberals), religion, and
well balanced and trained soul in deserving success, Freemasonry. And it is at this level that politics turns
though not attained, than anyone can feel by attaining it vicious and is at its ugliest. For example, we scheme,
undeserved.”
plot and undermine in order to subvert and control the
environment.
It is a long-established principle of Freemasonry that
electioneering for Masonic offi ce is not Masonic. Profane We join Freemasonry for a lot of diff erent reasons, one
methods must not be introduced into our honorable of which is that we might fi nd a forum where we will be
Craft. More importantly, we have much bigger issues honestly and fairly treated “on the level.” There is enough
that need attention such as our continual and rapidly contention in the world without having to add another
declining membership, fewer dues-paying members layer. Consequently, politics has an adverse eff ect on
resulting in reduced income for both Lodges and Grand membership and attendance. Want to drive people
Lodge, increased operational costs. These are issues that away from Lodge or inhibit participation? Bring on the
everyone needs to be working on. politics.”
Montana Freemason Page 38 Aug/Sept 2019 Volume 95 No .6