Can I become freemason?

Becoming a Mason begins with a petition or proposal submitted to a lodge, as candidate solicitation is traditionally forbidden 13. Under standard custom in the United States, an applicant petitions the lodge nearest his place of residence 3. Today, an individual may also initiate contact directly by submitting his details to a local lodge or through a university scheme, as the United Grand Lodge of England provides.

Once presented at a regular meeting, the petition is referred to an investigating committee tasked with examining the candidate's character, moral standing, financial independence, and general qualifications 12. To be eligible, a candidate must be of mature age, free, under good report, capable of supporting himself, and possess a belief in a Supreme Being, though Freemasonry requires no specific religious creed 13.

Following the investigation, the committee reports back to the lodge, where the members vote by secret ballot 23. Because candidate acceptability must be personal to every member to preserve harmony, a single adverse ballot can disqualify a petitioner 3. Upon successful election and payment of the required fees, the candidate is approved for initiation into the Craft 12.