THE SOUTH GATE
Each and every vote we take in Lodge is very important to the health, vitality,and harmony of the Brethren and the Lodge. We vote on many different items such as paying our bills, how much to spend on one of our charities, for special recognition of someone in our Lodge or community, election of officers, election of candidates for the degrees, reinstatement or restoration, plus a multitude of items that come before the Lodge. Only Master Masons, in good standing, may vote.
In votes where the ballot box is used, such as for a candidate for the degrees, three blackballs shall reject for one year, four blackballs for two years, and five or more blackballs for three years. A ballot on any kind of a petition named in Title IV, Chapter 2, Article 419 of THE LAWS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS may be retaken as many times as may be necessary to satisfy the Worshipful Master that no mistake has been made, before the result of any ballot is announced by the Worshipful
Master, but not thereafter.
The rest of the items brought before the Lodge for a vote are accomplished by the usual voting sign of a Master Mason. In these votes, the majority of votes decide the vote. The Worshipful Master may decide a tie vote, providing he has not already voted. Once the result is announced by the Worshipful Master it is final.
Since items brought before the Lodge for a vote can have several different viewpoints and cause lengthy discussions, it is good to listen to these with an open heart and ear. Each of us can, and will have, good ideas and viewpoints that may not necessarily agree with all of our Brethren. Once the vote has taken place and the announcement of the result has taken place, we must abide by the majority decision so that peace and harmony still rule in our Lodge.
George Hahn, Junior Warden
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