Back to Index
Proposer/s Call Item Number Page No. in the Call Proposed Amendments and Resolutions
 
Jeffrey L. Sowder, Midian 15 pgs. 30-31 Jeffrey L. Sowder, Imperial High Priest & Prophet and Representative at Large of Midian Shriners, Wichita, Kansas, proposes the following:
    Amend §323.5 of Article 23 of the bylaws of the Iowa Corporation by adding certain language and deleting certain language so that such section, as amended, will read as follows, with the new language italicized and the deleted language bracketed:
    ARTICLE 23
    Temple Membership
    § 323.5 Balloting. 
    (a) Favorable. Subsequent to a report on a candidate’s petition, [the ballot is passed, and if less than 3 black balls appear, he] paper ballots shall be distributed, marked, collected and counted in the presence of the Nobility. If a majority of the ballots are favorable, the candidate is elected to temple membership subject to initiation. If a majority of the ballots are unfavorable or if the votes are evenly divided, the candidate is rejected. The presiding officer may call for a collective ballot. 
    [(b) Adverse. If the ballot reveals 4 or more black balls, the candidate is rejected. If the ballot reveals 3 black balls, another ballot is passed im­mediately. If 3 black balls appear a second time, the candidate is rejected.]
    [(c)] (b) Written Objection. A written objection, signed by at least 3 members of the temple in good standing, presented to the Potentate or the Recorder prior to the time balloting is commenced, has the same effect as an adverse ballot. 
    [(d)] (c) Written Objection Deadline. In temples where written notice of all candidates’ petitions has been mailed to the members not less than one week before the date set for the balloting, any written objection provided for in subsection [(c)](b) must be received by the Potentate or the Recorder at least 48 hours before the time specified in the notice for balloting. 
    [(e)] (d) Finality. After the balloting is completed and the candidates are declared elected and notified, no objection made thereafter with respect to the candidates may be considered unless ordered by vote of the temple. 
    [(f)] (e) Reapplication. A rejected candidate may not apply again for 13 weeks. 
    [(g) Alternative Balloting. Notwithstanding the procedures set forth in subsections (a) through (f) above, Aahmes, Shriners, Abdallah Shriners, Ainad Shriners, Al Bedoo Shriners, Algeria Shriners, Almas Shriners, Amara Shriners, Ararat Shriners, Bagdad Shriners, Beni Kedem Shriners, Cairo Shriners, Gizeh Shriners, Hejaz Shriners, Jamil Shriners, Karnak Shriners, Midian Shriners, Moslah Shriners, Sahara Shriners, Saladin Shriners, and Scimitar Shriners shall utilize the following alternative balloting procedure. Subsequent to a report on a candidate’s petition, paper ballots shall be distributed, marked, collected and counted in the presence of the Nobility. If a majority of the ballots are favorable, the candidate is elected. If a majority of the ballots are unfavorable or if the votes are evenly divided, the candidate is rejected. The presiding officer may call for a collective ballot. Subsection (f) above shall apply to this alternative balloting procedure.]
    Effect of amendment if passed: All temples will elect members by a majority vote of the written ballots cast.