OA Elections
Torbert (storbert@WHRO.ORG)
Thu, 30 May 1996 06:25:39 -0400
> Not only does this "in anticipation of..." interpretation smell bad, but
> every elected O/A candidate must have the approval of the Scoutmaster. In
> theory the SM still has the option to decline to forward the candidates
> names to the Lodge if he feels they were not eligible or somehow not ready.
> I usually pre-screen the names of the eligibles (and counsel as needed)
> before the election to prevent messy aftermaths. Still, this whole
> situation with Scott sounds strange.
No. Once the election is completed, the scoutmaster cannot revoke
aproval. If he has a problem with a certain person being on there, he
must bring it up BEFORE the election.
To the person who said that 13 is a minimum age: It is not. There is no
minimum age, they simple need to be reg/act Boy Scouts and meet the
camping and rank requirements. We even had some ten-year-olds get
elected in my lodge this year. (Remember, you can be a scout before 11
if you pass the 5th grade early or make Arrow of Light).
For the initiator of the thread: You can and should go to your
chapter/lodge and request that the election be thrown out. Any election
done with ineligible people on the ballot invalidates the whole
election. The simple reason is that it artificially inflates the number
who can be elected, and some of the ineligibles may be elected
themselves.
As far as National Policy in this matter goes, they will usually say
"Whatever you do is OK."
I do not know much about the internal workings of the troop vis a vis the
committee. I do know from the lodge side of things that this is a very
serious matter and a good elections chair/lodge chief/lodge adviser will
take this matter seriously. IMHO, the results of the first election
should be scrapped and another one performed.
Yours in Scouting,
David Torbert
Unit Elections Chairman
Blue Heron Lodge, #349
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