To Provide for Elections if Conventions Cannot Be Held

WHEREAS, COVID-19 has demonstrated that it may not always be possible to hold conventions; and

WHEREAS, In his letter addressing congregations about the vote to extend the 2019–2022 triennium President Harrison noted, “Our Synod’s Commission on Constitution Matters recently noted that if a district cannot meet, elected officers and the like will remain in office until the next year a district convention is to be held. For such districts, this would, in effect, result in a six-year term for elected officials (unless a special session would be held to accomplish the delayed elections)”; and

WHEREAS, The congregations of the Synod voted by over 90 percent to extend the triennium to ensure conventions took place; and

WHEREAS, It is conceivable that some future event could arise that would prevent conventions from happening or delay them more than a year; therefore be it

Resolved, That Bylaw 4.7.6 be added as follows:

PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 4.7 District Nominations, Elections, and Appointments …

4.7.6 In the event that a district cannot hold a convention during a given triennium or it must be delayed for more than one year from the end of the regular convention cycle, electronic or other distance voting shall take place for all elected positions under the following procedures:

(a) All procedures outlined in Bylaw 4.7.3 shall be followed and applied to the election of the district president and vice-presidents except as noted in this bylaw.

(b) No additional candidates may be nominated after the regular nominations window is closed. All candidates running uncontested shall be deemed elected without a vote.

(c) The circuit visitors selected by their circuits in accordance with Bylaw 5.2 shall be deemed ratified without a vote.

and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod convention give thanks to God for the entire Council of Presidents, the Secretary of Synod, the Commission on Constitutional Matters, and all who worked diligently and faithfully to ensure conventions were held and elections took place rather than permitting themselves to retain office without an election.