Election

N. Process used to chose our leaders

Mundane Definition from Wikipedia

An election is a decision making process where people choose people to hold official offices. This is the usual mechanism by which modern democracy fills offices in the legislature, sometimes in the executive and judiciary, and for regional and local government. This is also typically the case in a wide range of other private and business organizations, from clubs to voluntary associations and corporations. However, as Montesquieu points out in Book II, Chapter 2 of "The Spirit of Laws," in the case of elections in either a republic or a democracy, voters alternate between being the rulers of the country as well as being the subjects of the government, with the act of voting being the sovereign (or ruling) capacity, in which the people act as "masters" selecting their government "servants." Rather, the unique characteristics of democracies and republics is the recognition that the only legitimate source of power for government "of the people, by the people, and for the people" is the consent of the governed -- the people themselves.

Elections in Amtgard

As in the world at large Elections in Amtgard are held to chose our new leadership. This is in contrast to the SCA where most officers are chosen by appointment of the Monarchy, which is chosen by the trial of combat. Most of our offices are elected with the notable exceptions of the Champion and the lesser officers of the court, such as the Scribe and Royal Guard.

History of Elections in Amtgard

The first Monarch to be elected to office was Aramithris of Meadowlake, of the Lands that Burn on 10/18/1986. The first seven Monarchs of the Burning Lands had been chosen by Right of Arms.

How elections are held

As with all thing this varies with in the kingdoms, and you should check your local Corpora for accurate information for your locality. But the overview is that all members of the kingdom who are Dues paid are allowed to vote in elections. In some places you must also be a contributing member. The Monarchy election, usually held at Crown Quals is usually presided over by the Prime Minster, or by the highest remaining official not running for reelection. The Prime Minster election, usually held at or before Midreign, is likewise presided over by the Guildmaster of Reeves or in some places, the Monarch or their appointed representative.

Excerpt from the Burning Lands Corpora

3.2 Elections:

• 3.21 Shall be held by the Prime Minister.
• 3.211 Exception- the Prime Minister election will be held by the Guildmaster of Reeves.
• 3.22 The winner of any election requires a simple plurality vote (more votes than the next highest vote-getter).
• 3.23 Must have been an active member of the group for six months in order to vote in any election.
  • 3.231 The Crown may also set a fair minimum attendance and require a contributing membership for determining eligibility to vote in elections.
  • 3.232 Must be dues paid.
• 3.24 The Monarch shall break any tie votes in an election. (Except in circumstances wherein the monarch is involved as a candidate.)
• 3.25 A person may only be an active member of one group in any six month period (and thus, may only vote in Althings and elections in that one group).