Page 18 - Montana Freemason Magazine March 2014
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Montana Freemason March 2014 Volume 90 Number 1
Lodge Elections, Balloting and Voting
Blake Gardiner (3)
I have on numerous occasions sat in lodges and He is responsible only to the Grand Master and the
watched and listened as Worshipful Masters, Past GwhraenndhtehewaGsrainnsdtaLlloeddg, eh, itshceoonbscliigeantcieonasnhdehaisssGumode.d3
Masters, and other brothers completely ignored The question that would now be raised by
Masonic Codes and etiquette when it came to matters uninformed brothers is, “What about Robert’s
of balloting and voting. There seems to be much Rules of Order?” The best quick answer to that
misunderstanding, and misinformation regarding question is the following quote from “ROBERT’S
how votes are to be conducted in a lodge. I hope, RULES OF ORDER: MASONIC EDITION
with this article, to provide some specific guidance in REVISED AND EDITED BY MICHAEL R. POLL”.
accordance to the Montana Masonic Code (MMC) and
Masonic tradition, appropriate to constituent lodges.
First, there are the specific requirements set “The problem has always been that this work was not
forth in the MMC. These are the hard and fast written with the Masonic lodge in mind and Masonic
rules, which allow for little interpretation or lodges do not always follow classic parliamentary
deviation. Then secondarily, are the traditional procedure. Many aspects of a properly run lodge
rules, sometimes referred to as “Masonic Etiquette.” are in conflict with what is considered correct
One of the problems with Masonic Etiquette and parliamentary procedure. An example would be the
the “Ancient Landmarks” in many U.S. grand relationship between the membership of a lodge and
jurisdictions including Montana, is that while they the Worshipful Master. In a club, there are times when
are referred to, and ostensibly followed, they are not the ruling of the presiding officer can be overturned
written down in any generally accepted documents. by a vote of the membership. Such is not the case in a
Masonic lodge. The nature of the office of Worshipful
It is important to explain the statutory, traditional Master gives the one holding this office authority not
and ancient powers of the Worshipful Master. The held by the presiding officer of most clubs. Any action
tWhaonrshaippfruelsiMdiansgterofofifcaerM.1 aWsohneinc lodge is much more of the membership that infringes oanrethoeutauotfhoorrditeyr.”o4r
he is sitting in the rights of the Worshipful Master
East; the Master has control of the lodge. While he
may allow or solicit motions, he is not required to do According to the MMC , voting in lodge may be
so. He may decide who is recognized to speak, what conducted in three manners: Publicly by the uplifted
matters may be discussed, when to stop discussion, hand; privately, by written ballot; and by the casting of
and even whether a matter may be put to a vote. The white balls obrybvloatcikncgubbyetsh.5eMuopsrtalioseddgehbanudsi.n5 eHssomwaeyvebre,
Master has a vote on all amtaitet2e.rsM, aontdionmsatyoeavdejnoucranst, conducted
a second vote in case of the code specifies that officers must be elected by a
division of the lodge and calling for the question by owornrivctotaeincndebivdaoallttoeetsi.sm(nEuolesttcabtlieloonbwyoewfdoh.)fi5ftieAcbenradsllbosyfacnaodsuhbrolsawecbkoafcluhlobatneinsd.gs5
lodge members are never in order, those are solely at
the discretion of the Worshipful Master. While most
Masters will accept motions from the brothers, he is
not required to do so. Additionally, the Master may By the MMC and tradition each Master Mason, in
put a matter to a vote by making his own motion. gtooovdotset6a,nudninlegssinththeevlootdegwe,oaunldd is present is required
directly benefit him.
“It is the Master’s right to control lodge business A member choosing to abstain is not allowed by
and work. He decides all points of order and no caondded, iistoibseadlsieonacefaoiflutrheetoWfourlsfhililpyfuoul rMMasatseor’nsiocrdduetry.7,
appeal from his decision may be taken to the lodge.
He can initiate and terminate debate at his pleasure, Hopefully this article will not only clear
he can second any motion, propose any motion, vote up some misunderstandings about voting in
twice in the case of a tie (not universal), open and lodge. It should also call attention to the need
close at his pleasure, with the usual exception that for each member to give careful thought to
he may not open a Special Communication at an who you decide to elect as Worshipful Master.
hour earlier than that given in the notice, or a Stated
Communication earlier than the hour stated in the by-
laws, without dispensation from the Grand Master.
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