Article IV.

Elections and Officers.

Sec. 1. The elective officers of this Lodge shall consist of those enumerated in Section 1 of Article VII of the Constitution, who shall be chosen separately by a majority of the valid votes given. There shall also be elected in the same manner two Trustees and a Lodge Surgeon, to serve for one regular term, provided that the Lodge Surgeon may be elected for twelve months. The appointed officers shall consist of those enumerated in Section 2 of the above-mentioned Article, and shall be appointed by the Noble Grand, except the R. and L. Supporters of the Vice Grand, who shall be appointed by the Vice Grand.

Sec. 2. When ballots are taken, the ballot-box shall be placed upon the pedestal in front and in full view of the Noble Grand. The members shall advance singly and deposit their ballots, which shall be duly inspected by the N.G. and his Supporters, and the result declared to the Lodge.

Sec. 3. At elections for officers, the N.G. shall appoint two Scrutineers, for the purpose of receiving and examining the page 64 votes. The Secretary shall then proceed to call the names of the members who are by law entitled to vote. The members shall, when their names are called, proceed to hand the Scrutineers their votes; and, after all the votes have been cast the poll shall be closed. The Scrutineers shall then count the votes, and announce the result to the N.G. A blank is a valid vote, and shall be counted as a part of the poll; and the Scrutineers shall also, in all cases, count all ballots cast for any brother not in regular nomination as blanks.

Sec. 4. After the second balloting, if there be three or more candidates, and no choiee be made, the name of the lowest shall be dropped, and be considered not in nomination; after the third balloting, and there still be no choice, all shall be withdrawn but the highest two.

Sec. 5. Any candidate for an elective office found canvassing for votes, or endeavouring to persuade brothers who are not in the habit of regular attendance in the Lodge to appear on the evening of election, with the view of voting for himself or any other candidate, shall be deemed inelligible to such office at that election.

Sec. 6. If any Elective Officer shall fail to appear at the appointed time for installation, his election may be declared void, and a new election be held, unless he be prevented by sickness, or other satisfactory excuse be given, and the then Lodge may postpone the installation of that Officer.