LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — January 25–26, 2013, Page 18

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(2) 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. Each voter shall vote
for only one candidate.
(3) Balloting shall continue with the lowest candidate being removed from each
succeeding ballot until one pastor shall have received a simple majority of all votes cast,
who shall be declared the nominee.
(e) Immediately following the circuit forum, the circuit counselor shall report in writing the
results of the selection process to the secretary of the district in preparation for ratification by
the district convention.
(f) In the event that a circuit counselor has not been selected by a circuit forum or has been
selected but is no longer available to serve, thus resulting in no circuit counselor selection
being included on the convention slate of circuit counselors for a circuit, the district president
shall make the selection, which selection shall then be included on the convention slate of
circuit counselors.
(fg) The convention shall have the right to alter the slate by amendment.
(gh) The convention shall then ratify the slate of circuit counselors, which ratification shall
constitute election.
(C) Process for Regional District Elections
(Bylaws 4.7.1–4.7.3)
Rationale
An increase on the district level in regional representation by district vice-presidents and board of
directors members has prompted the question whether such elections, if conducted within regions, should
be ratified by district conventions in the same manner as is the case with circuit counselor elections.
While Bylaw 4.7.1 allows districts to adopt their own nomination and election regulations, it is silent
regarding regional elections. In keeping with the principle that final determinations in elections to all
district positions rightly belong to the district convention, the Commission on Handbook proposes the
following amendments to Bylaws 4.7.1–4.7.3.
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
4.7.1

Each district may adopt regulations for the nomination and election of its president; the
nomination, selection, election, and ranking, of its vice-presidents; and the succession in case of
vacancies of its vice-presidents; and the nomination or selection of any regional officers or
regional board of directors members, as long as these provisions do not conflict with the Bylaws
of the Synod.

4.7.2

A nominating committee of each district shall be elected by the district convention. Nominating
committees may not be employed in the election of the president, and vice-presidents, and
regional board of director positions.

4.7.3

A majority of all votes cast by a district convention shall be required in every election to all
elective offices and elective board positions….
(D) Revision of Congregations’ Constitutions and Bylaws
(Bylaw 2.4.1)

Rationale
Page 45 – 01.25 to 01.26.13 – COH Minutes