Freemasonry is said to be a law unto itself.   Where Masonry comes into conflict with any of the rules of order governing other organizations or societies, parliamentary law, as such, is inapplicable to Masonic government."

This quotation is from the "Addenda" section of our Washington Monitor and Freemason's Guide (Rev. 1983).  In light of the current vote counting in our recent Presidential election, I thought I would explore the subject of "voting" in our Fraternity.  In  doing so, I found our Washington Monitor to be very succinct on this matter:

"A full vote is not necessary on business matters.   It is imperative only in balloting on a petition and in a Masonic trial.   Except in  balloting, the opinions or votes of members should be signified by the raising of the left hand."

"Every member of the Lodge present at any balloting therein for the degrees or the affiliation must vote, unless excused by  unanimous consent."

Our Washington Masonic Code, 1983 (Rev.) augments this position of balloting and voting.  It clearly states:

"All members present, unless excused by unanimous consent, must ballot on: (1) a petition for the degrees or affiliation;  (2) the acceptance or rejection of charges for a Masonic Trial; (3) the expulsion or suspension of a member; and (4) a  proposal for consolidation of Lodges.  A vote of all members present is not required on other business matters." (Sect.  15.05)

However, our Washington Monitor offers the following words of observation:

"The business of a lodge is that which it does chiefly in common with other societies; the work is technically that of conferring  degrees and imparting instruction; the ceremonies, private, and public, are among its 'rights and privileges' and are peculiar to  Masonry. The Master's prerogatives, under the established Constitutions of the Fraternity, in wise discretion reach over all,   without discrimination."

Of due importance is this last note of caution: