Official Handbook Source Text
Handbook page 102
Source: LCMS Handbook 2023, page 102.
This page reproduces text from the 2023 LCMS Handbook for study and navigation. Readers should verify procedural, legal, parliamentary, or governance questions against the official LCMS Handbook and appropriate LCMS authorities.
(2) The congregation or congregations served (in other than an assisting capacity) by the elected pastoral delegate shall be removed from consideration for supplying candidates for the other delegate and alternate elections for that particular convention.
(i) For the election of the alternate lay delegate: All lay nominees except those who have been disqualified by other delegate and alternate elections shall be eligible for election as the alternate lay delegate.
(1) Each voter shall vote for only one candidate. Candidates receiving zero votes and the candidate receiving the least number of votes shall be removed from each succeeding ballot until one candidate shall have received a simple majority of all votes cast, whereupon he/she shall be declared the alternate lay delegate.
(2) The congregation or multi-congregation parish from which the alternate lay delegate has been elected shall then be removed from consideration for supplying candidates for the other alternate election for that particular convention.
(j) For the election of the alternate pastoral delegate: All other eligible pastors, except those who have been disqualified by other delegate and alternate elections, shall be eligible for election as the alternate.
(1) Each voter shall vote for only one candidate. Candidates receiving zero votes and the candidate receiving the least number of votes shall be removed from each succeeding ballot until one pastor shall have received a simple majority of all votes cast whereupon he shall be declared the alternate pastoral delegate.
(2) The congregation or multi-congregation parish from which the alternate pastoral delegate has been elected shall then be removed from consideration for supplying candidates for the other alternate election for that particular convention.
(k) The visitor(s) shall report the results of the election to the secretary of the district in writing immediately after said election.
(l) If the circuit fails to elect a delegate or alternate, the circuit is permitted to meet again prior to the deadline (Bylaw 3.1.2.1 [a]) to elect the delegate or alternate in accordance with this election procedure.
(m) If after the election deadline neither the delegate nor the alternate (pastoral or lay) can serve, the district president, in consultation with the respective circuit visitor(s), shall appoint a delegate to fill the vacancy.
3.1.2.2 Voting delegates shall serve a three- year term beginning with the
convention, shall function as advisory members of the circuit forum, shall serve as resource persons in the circuit, and shall assist in the dissemination and implementation of resolutions of the Synod in the circuit.
(a) Delegates are responsible to the circuits they represent and shall attempt to discover the sentiment of the members thereof.
(b) Congregations shall not require their delegates to vote in accordance with specific instructions, but every delegate shall be permitted to vote according to his or her own conviction.
