Tenas Chakchak Chapter

Elections Frequently Asked Questions

How does one become a member of the Order?

Every member is either elected (youth) or nominated (adult) and then must successfully complete the Ordeal. The Ordeal must be completed within one year of the election.

Who can elect youth members?

Only youth members of Boy Scout Troops and Varsity Teams may elect youth into the Order.

Why cannot female venture members be elected as youth members?

First Venturing is not under the auspices of the Boy Scout Division at National. Second they cannot meet the requirement of First Class Scout or higher.

My unit doesn't want an election. What can I do?

It is the discretion of the unit leader as to whether to hold an election. Election teams should not engage in a campaign to persuade a unit to have an election. After explaining what the Order is and the benefits of an election the election team should thank the leader for their time. Please let the Lodge Adviser know if their are units that do not wish elections if you believe some follow up is necessary.

What's an OA Election?

The OA has different procedures for youth and adults. Youth members (under the age of 21) are elected by other youth members of their troop or team in an election conducted by a trained elections team. At least 50 % of the registered youth members of the troop must be present for an election to be held. Each youth member of the troop has one vote for each youth eligible for election. They may vote for none, one or as many eligible youth that are on the ballot. The eligible youth must receive a vote from more than half of the voting members - e.g. if 15 youth vote, to be selected an eligible youth must receive eight votes. Adults are nominated by the troop committee and the nomination is forwarded to a Lodge Adult nomination committee headed by the Lodge Adviser for consideration.

Are there any membership requirements?

Yes. To be considered for election, a youth must be a registered member of his unit, must have achieved the rank of First Class, must not have reached his 21st birthday, and must, while registered with a troop or team, have a minimum of 15 days and nights of scout camping experience, including one (and only one) long term camping experience (6 days / 5 nights) within two years prior to the election. With the exception of the first class and age requirement, adult nominees must meet the same camping and membership requirements.

Is there any limit to the number of youth who are placed on the ballot for election?

No provided they all meet the eligibility requirement.

Does the Scoutmaster have to list all youth who are eligible?

No. The Scoutmaster must sign the election form certifying that all those on the ballot are eligible for election. If the scoutmaster feels that a certain member or members of the unit do not exemplify the high ideals of the OA, he or she does not have to list them as eligible for election even though they may meet the membership requirements. The scoutmaster has full discretion as to the eligibility of any troop member for the election, but he may not waive the membership requirements. This certification takes place prior to the election, and cannot be changed once the election takes place.

Can the Scoutmaster vote in the election?

No. No one over the age of 21 may cast a vote in the election.

How many elections can my troop have per year?

One. Each troop is entitled to only one election per year. The Lodge calendar runs from January 1 through December 31. Each troop may have only one election during that time period.

When can this election take place?

The election can be done anytime during the year; however, most unit elections occur in the spring of the year in advance of our Ordeal induction weekends. Those units completing elections prior to the second Monday of April will have their candidates issued publications throught he normal time table. Units having elections past that date may experience split dates for eligibility or other minor difficulties. Troops and Teams are encouraged to schedule a recurring annual date for planning purposes. All elections must be adminstered by a Lodge/Chapter elections team.

How do I arrange for an election?

Starting in January of each year, Chapter election teams will start contacting each scoutmaster and varsity coach in their Districts to set up elections. If your troop has not been contacted each year by February 1st, you are encouraged to contact your Chapter Adviser or the Lodge Adviser for action.

Can a Scoutmaster conduct his or her own election?

NO! All elections must be conducted with at least one member of the Chapter or Lodge election team present, preferably a member from outside the troop.

How do I nominate an adult for membership?

Adult nomination forms are available from the election team or your Chapter Adviser. They must be filled out accurately and completely, and signed by the Committee Chairman. The Committee Chairman should retain one copy of the form with the remaining copy and original forwarded to the Chapter Adviser. The Chapter Adviser will forward the original on to the Lodge Adviser for consideration.

How many adults may a unit nominate?

Each troop or team who has elects at least one youth may nominate one adult per 50 Scouts in the unit (0-50, 1 adult; 51-100, 2 adults; 101-150, 3 adults, etc.).

What if my unit does not elect a youth, can I still nominate an adult?

No.

How are adult nominations considered?

Adult nominations are considered on an individual basis upon the nominees ability to perform the necessary functions to help the OA fulfill its goals and purposes, how the adult will be an asset to the Lodge and whether the adult will be a positive role model to the youth. Membership in the Order is not a recognition for service nor a reward for achievement or position.

What happens once the adult nomination form is submitted?

It is reviewed by the adult selection committee. After review the nominator will be informed of the outcome of the petition. It is the goal to have all adult nominations processed prior to May 1st providing they are received by the April LEC.

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