how does the ballot work for a candidate in a craft lodge under the grand lodge of india

The library does not contain the specific regulations or Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of India, so its particular balloting rules cannot be detailed here. Traditional balloting procedures within Craft Masonry, however, illustrate the mechanics and principles governing candidate selection 1.

In classical practice, the ballot box is placed upon the altar 1. Members are called individually by roll, approaching one at a time to maintain secrecy so no brother can observe another's vote 1. Each member gives the customary salutation to the Master, deposits a white ball to elect or a black ball to reject, and returns to his seat 1. The Secretary votes last among those present, after which the Tyler is admitted to cast his vote while another officer temporarily assumes his duties at the door 1.

When voting is complete, the Master orders the Senior Deacon to carry the box for inspection 1. It is presented first to the Junior Warden in the South, then to the Senior Warden in the West, and finally to the Master in the East 1. Each officer announces whether the box is "clear" (containing only white balls) or "foul" (containing one or more black balls) 1.

If all balls are white, the Master declares the candidate elected 1. If a single black ball appears, a second ballot is taken immediately to ensure the vote was not cast by mistake 1. Should a black ball reappear on the second attempt, traditional practice allows the Master to defer the election to the next meeting to hear the objecting member's reasons in private, allowing the lodge to consider the matter before a final ballot is taken 1.