FREEMASONRY INSIGHT
Voter Registration Open: Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario
Today (June 10th, 2024), the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario (“Grand Lodge”) opened the voter registration period for its 2024 annual elections; the period will remain open till June 14th, 2024.
To successfully register, an eligible voter requires his Grand Lodge certificate number, his last name, and his email address, which must be submitted to the election buddy system at a link created by Grand Lodge.
[Note: An “eligible voter” is an Ontario Mason who is a member of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario, otherwise which is a Lodge Past Master, Warden, or Worshipful Master.]
Eligible voters can acquire their certificate numbers, as well as the link, by contacting their Masonic Lodge secretary.
If an eligible voter registers within the prescribed period, then on June 17th, 2024 Grand Lodge (through the “Election Buddy” system) will send that voter a “vote now” email.
For the last three years, Grand Lodge voting has followed the above electronic format (with some modifications).
The impetus for change from in-person voting at the Grand Lodge’s annual communication to an electronic format was (as most can guess) COVID-19 and its related restrictions.
As restrictions eased, Grand Lodge maintained the electronic format. The benefits of the electronic format include:
- the enfranchisement of those eligible voters for whom in-person travel to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is either too expensive, too time-consuming, or a combination thereof (this is especially true for those Brethren from remote areas within Ontario).
While the electronic voting format is a more convenient format that allows for the enfranchisement of more eligible voters…eligible voters must still take action!
They must still take the time to register and then vote.
Taking the time to register and then vote is a convenient way for eligible voters (aka: Ontario Masons) to show support for both their Masonic District and Ontario Freemasonry.
It demonstrates care and concern of and for masonic leadership.
It demonstrates that an eligible voter is willing to take the (very little) time necessary to contribute to the success of Masonry in his district and jurisdiction.
It allows an eligible voter to have his voice heard.
It also shows Masonic leadership that they have the support of the masons within their district and jurisdiction.
This last point is true (maybe even more true) even in situations where a candidate is running unopposed. In those situations, taking the time to register and vote for (or affirm) the candidate demonstrates to that candidate that he has the support of voters, giving him and his jurisdiction the momentum necessary for a successful term.
The voter registration period is open from June 10th, 2024 to June 14th, 2024. To all eligible voters: now is your chance to make your voice heard!
Register and vote!
All opinions expressed are those of Square & Compass Promotions and the guest(s), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any Masonic organisation.
Questions: If you are an eligible voter, do you take part in electronic voting? If you are a member of a masonic jurisdiction other than Ontario, do you take part in Grand Lodge voting and, if so, do you take part in-person or electronically?
