To Allow Simpler Procedure for Circuit Elections

WHEREAS, Every electoral circuit meets to elect voting delegates to the national convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS); and

WHEREAS, These circuits vary widely in size and composition of congregations; and

WHEREAS, There are circuits for whom there are five or fewer pastors eligible and willing to serve as voting delegates to the national convention of the LCMS; and

WHEREAS, SynodBylaws3.1.2.1(d–f)mandate an unnecessarily complicated and confusing procedure of preliminary ballots and succeeding ballots; and

WHEREAS, In elections with few voters the possibility of tied votes is likely; and

WHEREAS, The electoral procedures in the Bylaws make no provision for dealing with tied votes; and

WHEREAS, Every congregation should be assured that elections are carried out in strict accordance with the Bylaws of the LCMS;

therefore be it

Resolved, That Bylaw 3.1.2.1 be amended as follows:

PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING

3.1.2.1 Elections of voting delegates shall take place in accordance with established policy and procedure. …

(d) Each pastor who is called and installed to a congregation of the circuit in a non-assisting capacity and not a specific ministry pastor shall be eligible for election. (1) Each When there are at most five such pastors willing to serve, they shall constitute the ballot. Otherwise, each voter may write in the names of two such pastors on the initial ballot. The three pastors (or more, in case of a tie vote) who receive the highest number of votes in this preliminary ballot shall be placed on the next ballot. …

(e) Prior to the meeting of the electoral circuit,each congregation may nominate one layperson (i.e., not a commissioned or ordained minister), either from its congregation or from the circuit. These names must be submitted to the circuit visitor prior to the day of the circuit meeting and shall constitute the slate of candidates. All congregational nominees, except those who have been eliminated through the election of the pastoral delegate, shall be eligible for election. (1) Each voter may write in the name of two of the remaining lay nominees on the initial ballot. When there are at most five remaining lay nominees, they shall constitute the ballot. Otherwise, each voter may write in the name of two of the remaining lay nominees on the initial ballot. The three laypersons (or more, in case of a tie vote) who received the highest number of votes in this preliminary ballot shall be placed on the next ballot. … …

and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of Synod, in consultation with the Commission on Handbook, evaluate all the elections procedures in the Bylaws of the LCMS to ensure that they are clear, consistent, and fair procedures for all aspects of elections, including what to do about tied votes.