The
Ballot, Secrecy, and Responsibility
Within the Fraternity of Freemasons, there must be matters which are
very private and the election of new members represents one of the
most important instances of the combination of freedom and responsibility
for the Brethren. The future of any Lodge depends upon the quality
of its new members and their commitment to Masonry and the Craft.
Special men are expected to assume obligations, honor charges, and
aspire to higher standards, both morally and spiritually, and a ballot
stands between them and the Craft.
The word "ballot" has its origins in the word "balla",
which means "ball", and has for centuries referred to the
casting of a vote. White and black, cubes or balls, good and evil
always have represented a choice, or election. With an equal number
of black and white in the ballot box, each member must chose to act
within the constraints of his conscience.
But herein rises a critical aspect of choosing, namely the privacy
of that choice, for without the assurance of privacy, freedom and
equality do not exist. The Master of a Lodge is responsible, along
with all present, to follow the ritual explicitly. All the solemnity
and decorum associated with initiation should be present in the Lodge
when considering a potential candidate. The process, floor work, announcements,
and actions are reminders of the commitment and obligations of the
members in accepting a new member or not. Each vote must be freely
given and must be equal in weight.
The ballot places a great burden on those who investigate a prospective
member, for many depend upon the reports given, and there are many
articles outlining how important the investigation process is. Likewise
the penalties associated with violation of the ballot process are
severe, as stated in Grand Lodge Law. From the moment a petition is
to be voted upon, to the final destruction of the ballot by the Master,
respect and privacy are required. Nowhere else in Lodge work are members
faced with making a decision based on the internal, not the external,
aspects of an individual. Here, each is charged with the responsibility
of making a choice, free of prejudice, bias, or personal interest,
for a future Masonic journey may be beginning.
Peace and harmony are critical to future happiness within a Lodge,
but while there are rights and privileges associated with becoming
a Mason, there are responsibilities. The legacy of the members of
a lodge is carved in the living stones they choose to replace themselves.
The freedom and privacy to choose carries the burden of living with
the choice made. A true Mason makes Masonic choices!