Election Procedures

1) Talk with the unit leader to determine the time and place to hold the election.

2) Your election team should consist of two to three members from the lodge.

3) Before the election, secure, from the unit leader, that at least 50 % of the registered active unit membership is present. If at least 50% is not present, the election cannot be held.

4) A member of the election team should make a presentation, with the unit leaders consent, explaining the purpose of the Order of the Arrow and the basis upon which candidates should be selected, and describe the method of election.

5) The unit leader will provide a list of all registered active members of the unit who meet all eligibility requirements. The names of these members are entered on the report form and the unit leader signs the certification.

6) The election team leader will now explain to the unit leader that this is the current method of election approved by the national OA committee in use by the lodge. The election team leader will also explain that all eligible youths who receive votes from at least 50% of those who turn ballots in are elected. If no one is elected a second vote may be held immediately, and the results of this vote will be final.

7) A voter may list any combination of names, including all eligible candidates who he believes are worthy to become members of the Order of the Arrow.

8) Distribute pencils and paper to all youth members of the unit present, and have them vote based on the following criteria:

-Select the candidates who, in your opinion, have set the best examples of brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service.

-Vote only for those you believe will continue in unselfish service to your troop/team.

-If you feel that no one is worthy, turn in a blank ballot.

-If you are new to the unit and do not know the candidates well enough to vote wisely, you may abstain by not turning in a ballot at all; this will not affect the final result.

-Youths eligible for election also vote, and they may vote themselves if they feel they are worthy.

9) When the voting is completed, count the number of ballots turned in and enter the numbers in the unit election report.

10) The OA team determines the minimum number of votes one must receive to be elected as follows: If the number of ballots turned in was even, divide the number by two. If the number was odd, add one and then divide by two. The number of votes a youth must receive to be elected is entered on the report form.

11) The votes are counted in private by the election team and the unit leader to determine who has been elected. All votes count equally. If at least one has been elected, the election result is final. If no one is elected, the team announces this fact and states that the unit will now be given the opportunity to vote again. (No information about the votes received by candidates is to be revealed at any time.) If still no one is elected in the second vote, the results are final for the unit. The OA team places a check mark next to the names of those who have been elected.

-These procedures are based from the Guide for Officers and Advisers.