Unit Elections Frequently Asked Questions

The definitive rules and procedures for unit 3. A Scout who recently joined my unit elections are contained in the Guide for Offi- camped a lot in their previous unit. Should cers and Advisers. In case of any conflict or that camping be counted when deciding if ambiguity between the Guide to Inductions or they can be listed on the election ballot for the Guide to Unit Elections and the Guide for my unit’s election? Officers and Advisers, always refer to the Guide for Officers and Advisers as the definitive docu- A. Yes. All BSA camping done by a Scout in the ment. program area for which they are being considered for election (see question 4 for 1. When does a Scout have to earn their exception) counts towards the camping Scouts BSA First Class rank, to become eli- portion of the membership qualifications, gible for election? as long as the camping was within the last two years. A. The Guide for Officers and Advisers says: 4. A Scout in my Scouts BSA troop is also registered in a Venturing crew or Sea ... At the time of their election, youth Scout Ship. Can camping trips with the must be under the age of 21, and hold crew or ship count towards the camping one of the following ranks corre- requirement? sponding to the type of unit in which they are being considered for elec- It is preferred that camping requirements tion: Scouts BSA First Class rank, the be met as part of the unit in which the Venturing Discovery Award, or the youth is being considered for election (i.e., Sea Scout Ordinary rank or higher ... troop, crew, or ship); however, extenuating circumstances may exist (e.g., in cases To ensure that the Scout will be able to where a youth did not have an opportunity handle the challenges of the Ordeal week- to meet the requirement with the unit), that end and to uphold the OA’s standing as make it appropriate for unit leaders to con- Scouting’s national honor society, each sider other BSA camping experiences (e.g., candidate must have passed a board or a Venturer counting camping nights com- bridge of review for the First Class rank, pleted with a troop or camping nights Venturing Discovery Award, or the Sea completed while serving as a staff member Scout Ordinary rank before the election is at a council camp or national high adven- held. Any Scout who has passed their board ture base). In each case, the unit leader or bridge of review meets this requirement, must satisfy themselves the spirit and intent even if the award has not been formally of the requirement was met (i.e., it was presented, such as at a court of honor. indeed qualifying outdoor camping).

2. Can a Scout use the same camping nights 5. If a Scout goes to summer camp and a towards the requirements of Camping jamboree in the same summer, how do merit badge and for the OA camping these count towards the camping require- requirement? ment? A. The Guide for Officers and Advisers says: A. Yes. While the Scouts BSA advancement program often prohibits one action or Have experienced 15 nights of Boy event from counting towards two different Scout camping while registered with requirements, camping nights can be a troop, crew or ship within the two counted towards both Scouts BSA years immediately prior to the elec- advancement and the OA camping tion. The 15 nights must include one, requirement. but no more than one, long-term

Guide to Unit Elections – 69 – Order of the Arrow, BSA camp consisting of at least five con- 8. My unit attends summer camp for five days secutive nights of overnight camp- and four nights. Can that count towards ing, approved and under the auspices the camping requirement? and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. Only five nights of the A. The camping requirement for long-term long-term camp may be credited camps is a minimum of five nights, so three toward the 15-night camping nights of this could be counted as a short- requirement; the balance of the term camp. camping (10 nights) must be over- 9. What does “... under the auspices of the night, weekend, or other short-term Boy Scouts of America” mean in the camp- camps of, at most, three nights each. ing requirement? Ship nights may be counted as camping for Sea Scouts. [emphasis A. It means: Camping conducted within the added] guidelines of the Boy Scouts of America, amongst other things, to conduct the pro- Only one long term camp can be used gram in accordance with the Guide to Safe towards the camping requirement. For a Scouting and all youth protection guide- Scout who attends summer camp and a lines, and, if water sports are conducted, jamboree in the same year, five nights of using Safe Swim Defense and the buddy the time at summer camp or at the jambo- system, and all other policies in force not ree (but not both) can be used towards the specifically listed here. Ultimately, the local camping requirement. Ten more nights of council is the final arbiter of whether an short-term camp would also be required to encampment is in compliance and there- meet the camping requirement in order to fore under the auspices of the BSA. reach the 15 nights requirement. 10. I went on several camping trips when I was 6. Does the long term camp have to be at my registered as a Webelos den leader and council’s camp? before I registered as an assistant Scout- A. Camping at a council’s own camp(s) is not master. Can those trips count towards the part of the national requirements for eligi- OA camping requirement? bility for election to the Order of the Arrow. A. The Order of the Arrow’s membership eli- Any “long-term camp ... approved and gibility requirements focus on youth regis- under the auspices and standards of the tered in Scouts BSA, Venturing, or Sea Boy Scouts of America” meets this portion Scouts, and the camping requirement must of the camping requirement. be fulfilled through camping done while a Councils and lodges should conduct elec- Scout in one of those three programs. tions in any unit that requests one, without Because of this, time spent camping as a regard to where the unit attends summer Cub Scout does not count towards OA eli- camp. gibility. This makes sense when we con- sider another requirement, which is that 7. Does the camping have to be with a election candidates hold the Scouts BSA Scout’s unit? First Class rank, the Venturing Discovery Award, or the Sea Scout Ordinary rank or A. Camping does not have to be with a higher, and work towards these rank or Scout’s unit. For example, participation in a award requirements cannot begin until seven day, six night National Youth Leader- becoming a member of a Scouts BSA ship Training course should be considered troop, Venturing crew, or Sea Scout ship. a “long-term camp” as would attendance at summer camp with another troop. (How- Similarly, camping done by unit adults only ever only five nights of the long-term camp counts towards OA membership when the count towards the fifteen nights of camp- adults are registered as Scouts BSA, Ventur- ing requirement.) ing, or Sea Scout leaders. Thus, camping

Guide to Unit Elections – 70 – Order of the Arrow, BSA done while registered as a Cub Scout 14. As a unit leader, how do I determine which Webelos den leader does not count youths are active and thus count for pur- towards OA eligibility (unless the adult is poses of determining if a quorum is pres- also registered in a troop, crew or ship at ent for an election? the time). A. The Guide for Officers and Advisers says: 11. We have an adult assistant Scoutmaster Registered active member. In Scouts who is two nights shy of the camping BSA troops, Venturing crews, and Sea requirement. Youth elections are next Scout ships, every registered active week. Most likely two Scouts will be member of the unit under age 21 at elected (one of them the assistant Scout- the time of election (including assis- master’s son). Five days after the youth tant Scoutmasters who are 18, 19 or election the assistant Scoutmaster will 20 years old) is eligible to vote. have met the camping requirement. Can the troop committee nominate the assis- A Scout who carries a current tant Scoutmaster several days after the national membership card and par- youth election? ticipates in at least some unit activi- ties during the year is considered to A. The Guide for Officers and Advisers says: be a registered active member of the unit. For example, a youth away at “Each year, upon holding a unit elec- college who participates in some unit tion for youth candidates that results activities when home, such as a cam- in at least one youth candidate being pout, camporee, or occasional unit elected, the unit committee may meeting, should be considered a reg- nominate adults to the lodge adult istered active member. selection committee...” A youth who moves away or drops In many units, the unit committee meets out of the unit because of other inter- once or twice a month, so adult nomina- ests would not be counted in the reg- tions may follow the youth election by as istered active membership figure. much as a few weeks. Adults must meet the eligibility requirements when the unit As an example, a Scout who hasn’t partici- committee makes its decision on whom to pated in unit activities in several months nominate, not at the time of the youth and who cannot be reached to confirm election. that they have dropped out of the unit should not be counted as a member of the 12. Do youths have to be present for an elec- unit when deciding if at least 50 percent of tion, or can they participate by phone or the registered active unit membership is Skype or vote through an absentee ballot? present.

A. All youths must be physically present to 15. Can a unit conduct its own election? vote in a unit election. Voting by phone, A. The Guide for Officers and Advisers says: Skype, absentee ballot, etc. is not permitted in unit elections. Induction: Election to Ordeal

13. Do youths have to be present to be placed 2. The lodge, through the unit elec- on the election ballot and be elected? tions committee, should work with the unit leader in establish- A. No. All Scouts who meet the eligibility ing the actual time and place to requirements should be included on the conduct the election. The OA election ballot, even if some of these should be represented by a two- Scouts are not present when the election is or three-member team from the being held. lodge or chapter unit elections

Guide to Unit Elections – 71 – Order of the Arrow, BSA committee. All elections teams on a pre-printed ballot is appropriate. Here must be trained and in proper is a sample: uniform during the election. Please place a check next to the name of The lodge is responsible for making sure each candidate who you believe is wor- that elections teams are properly trained, thy to become a member of the Order of so it’s important that units not conduct the Arrow. their own elections. _____ Jeff Scout 16. What’s the status in the OA of assistant José Star Scoutmasters who are under age 21? ______Dhairya Eagle A. Young adults ages 18 through 20 are con- sidered youth members of the Order of the _____ All of the above Arrow. Because of this, assistant Scoutmas- If you feel that no one is worthy, turn in ters who are 18, 19 or 20 years old and who an unmarked ballot. meet the youth eligibility requirements should be included on election ballots If you do not know the candidates well whenever an election is held in a troop, and enough to vote wisely you may abstain these young adults should be allowed to by not turning in a ballot at all. This will participate in the election in the same not affect the final result. manner as youth members under age 18. Once inducted, these young adults may 19. Can a unit leader or council add require- participate fully in the Order of the Arrow ments to the national OA requirements for as youth members, until their 21st birthday. election? Similarly, Sea Scouts and Venturing crew members ages 18 through 20 are consid- A. No, a scoutmaster, crew advisor, or skipper ered youth members for the purposes of (or unit committee, district, council, chap- OA elections, ter or lodge) has no authority to change the requirements for election to the Order 17. Can a unit use pre-printed ballots in an of the Arrow, just as they have no authority election? to change the Eagle Scout or other rank requirements. However, a unit leader does A. Yes. However, care must be taken to ensure have the responsibility to certify that the that all candidates’ names appear on the unit’s Scouts have met the national eligibil- ballot. Excluding a candidate’s name and ity requirements before submitting their having it “written in” during the election is names for the ballot for the unit’s election. inappropriate since this may prevent a fair opportunity for this candidate to be 20. What is the unit leader’s role in a unit elec- elected. If it is discovered that an eligible tion? candidate’s name is missing from a pre- printed ballot, blank ballots should be used A.The Guide for Officers and Advisers says: instead. Membership Requirements

18.Can “All of the above” be included as a Unit leader approval. To become eli- choice on a pre-printed ballot? gible for election, a Scout must be registered with the Boy Scouts of A. Yes. A voter may list on their ballot any America and have the approval of combination of names, including all eligible their unit leader immediately prior to candidates who they believe are worthy to the election. The unit leader must become members of the Order of the certify their Scout spirit (i.e., their Arrow so having an “all of the above” box adherence to the Scout Oath and Law

Guide to Unit Elections – 72 – Order of the Arrow, BSA and active participation in unit activ- 21. Can a unit leader adjust the results of the ities). The unit leader must also cer- youth election results before the results tify that the nominee meets all are announced? specified requirements at the time of this annual election. A. After the youths have voted, the unit leader cannot adjust the results of the election. Induction: Election to Ordeal The Guide for Officers and Advisers says that lodge rules must include this standard 4. The unit leader provides a list of rule: all registered active members of the unit who meet all eligibility Rule III.A. The requirements for requirements, including attitude membership in this lodge are as and participation. stated in the current printing of the Order of the Arrow Handbook and the The unit leader holds the responsibility of Order of the Arrow Guide for Officers certifying a Scout’s eligibility before place- and Advisers. ment on an Order of the Arrow election The “Induction: Election to Ordeal” section ballot. The unit leader’s certification is as of of the Guide for Officers and Advisers, the date of the election, and any Scout details the procedure to be used for elec- who meets the camping and other require- tions. Voting by unit leaders or adjusting ments as of that date should be listed on the results of the youth votes is not part of the election ballot. This approval is not one the procedure and therefore is not allowed. of preferential treatment or specific selec- tion for membership rooted in the unit However, the unit leader is not an ineffec- leader’s own vision, but one of qualifying a tive actor with regard to OA unit elections. candidate for eligibility. By including a Here is what one successful, long-term Scout’s name on the list of those whose unit leader did. He reports that he was names should appear on an election ballot, never disappointed with the wisdom of the the unit leader certifies that: voters:

• The Scout is a currently registered I made the OA unit election a yearlong active member of the unit (troop, crew, process of encouraging the Scouts in or ship) the unit to participate in the OA’s activi- ties, and always made sure a youth • The Scout exhibits Scout spirit by living member (the OA Unit Representative) in accordance with the Scout Oath and got up and explained what the event Law was being held, and ensured that our unit youth leaders had a copy of the • The Scout fulfills all other Order of the chapter and lodge calendar to be sure Arrow membership requirements that they did not schedule any events in conflict with the published OA calen- Clearly, the unit leader’s approval is earned dar. This calendar exercise alone put through merit in Scouting. The unit leader the OA events front and center in the has two roles with the OA: an administra- minds of the unit youth leaders once a tive certification that the objective require- month. ments are met and a more judgment- oriented one with the Scout spirit require- Beyond talking about the OA and their ment that the Scout, in their opinion, has events, I would follow up the Unit Rep’s been a “good Scout” and lives up to the presentation by telling the unit “why” obligations taken in the Scout Oath and the OA did these things. Often, I would Scout Law. This requirement helps to include discussions of service and the uphold the high standard that OA member- concept of servant leadership in my ship warrants. Scoutmaster minutes.

Guide to Unit Elections – 73 – Order of the Arrow, BSA Then, six weeks before the election, as ballot so all can see, and be sure they soon as our youths scheduled the come see the advancement committee chapter elections team to come to the member present, if we do not show meeting, I would begin a series of short them as qualified, when they think they comments in each meeting or cam- may be. Address the “popularity con- pout describing the OA and what it was test” aspect of the election as some- about. It went like this: thing to avoid, and call on their higher angels to identify each person who Six weeks out: Bring in a copy of James lives the Scout Oath and Law in the Fennimore Cooper’s book, The Last of meeting. the Mohicans and explain that the OA had roots in great American literature. Election night: Introduce the elections See what they know about it. team and reiterate the purpose of the OA. Explain that the OA is the only Five weeks out: Show a video I com- organization in Scouting where the piled on The Last of the Mohicans non-members choose the members, movie... and take questions about the and reinforce that I have authorized this Delaware Tribe... Get out a map of the ballot because I believe these Scouts Great Northeast and show the range of are qualified and worthy of consider- the Delaware. ation. Four weeks out: Introduce the concept of service. Bring in my 1914 handbook Of course, every situation is different, and show the Scouts the chapter on but over the years, our unit’s Scouts chivalry and let them see the original chose a wide range of Scouts, but I was drawing of a Scout helping an old lady never disappointed. I made it a year cross the street. round education process, so never was tempted to have to adjust the will of Three weeks out: Remind them of their the Scouts. I spent my time adjusting slogan, to do a good turn daily, and see their thinking to what would serve the if any Scouts have examples of ones unit and the OA best. It worked. they might share with the group. Ask them to be sure to do this in the com- 22. How do you keep the elections from being ing week. a popularity contest? Some Scouts who meet the requirements and definitely have Two weeks out: Talk about the OA and the qualities of a true Scout are not ask three or four Scouts who are mem- elected. They meet the qualifications year bers to speak for two to three minutes after year. Even the other Scouts are sur- each about what to look for in a mem- prised certain Scouts are never elected. ber, drawing on the above. Ask the Scouts to give you specific examples of A. The unit elections chair from the local acts of kindness that have been per- lodge or chapter might be invited to come formed by the unit members. Include and talk to the Scouts about the Order of as many Scouts in this as you can... you the Arrow, rather than relying solely on the can suggest those squeamish or awk- OA Elections video. Nationally, many of our ward Scouts who you believe may be most successful chapters and lodges have overlooked, but you feel are worthy. noticed that this practice, especially when Scouts will know if you are honest in the unit leader is also invited to comment, this... or campaigning, so just speak makes those in the unit recognize the from your heart as the Scouts do most founding ideals of the OA and helps to take of the talking about their fellows. away consideration of other factors. One week out: Specifically talk with In May 2008 the Order of the Arrow distrib- them about the ballot, post the draft uted an Operations Update which included

Guide to Unit Elections – 74 – Order of the Arrow, BSA a Unit Elections section on page 3. Its rec- sion. The unit leader should offer the ommendations have been used effectively eligible candidates the opportunity to in a number of units around the country. “opt out” of being on the annual ballot Here is a quote from the Operations prior to its printing. Update to further address the question: This procedure has been tried and tested. It Electing candidates from medium to produces 50% to 100% better election large size units can be a challenge. The results and is worthy of your consideration. basic problem is that many Scouts, especially the older ones, don’t really 23. Can you help me better understand the know the younger Scouts and are number of unit adults who can be nomi- reluctant to vote for them. This can be nated when a unit conducts an election? a significant problem especially with A. The Guide for Officers and Advisers says: youths who are quiet and introverted. Noticing their low election results, a Each year, upon holding a unit elec- number of unit leaders have developed tion for youth candidates that results a procedure to directly address this sit- in at least one youth candidate being uation. It has produced significant elected, the unit committee may improvements in the election results in nominate adults to the lodge adult these units. Some unit leaders selection committee, composed of announce the youth’s rank/award, the lodge adviser, the chair of the number of nights of camping, and ser- council committee on which the vice hours as the names are read. Oth- lodge adviser serves, and the lodge ers include similar information on the staff adviser. The number of adults ballot of names. Another technique is nominated can be no more than one- to print the individual Scouting record third of the number of youth candi- of each candidate, listing their name, dates elected, rounded up where the school grade, rank/award, number of number of youth candidates is not a merit badges (if applicable), summer multiple of three. In addition to the camp years, camping nights, leadership one-third limit, the unit committee positions held, and special awards or may nominate the currently serving events attended. Regardless of the pro- unit leader (but not assistant leaders), cedure used, the purpose of this is to as long as they have served as unit help the unit members know some- leader for at least the previous 12 thing about the candidates before they months. vote. It works and produces much bet- So, as long as the adults meet the camping ter election results. and other requirements, this chart can be The scoutmaster, crew advisor, or skip- used: per still decides the names to appear on the ballot, listing only those who No. of Maximum No. of have demonstrated Scout spirit and Youths Adults That Can Elected be Nominated who meet the OA eligibility require- ments. A Scout whose name is being 00 withheld because of Scout spirit needs 1 1 + unit leader to be told why in advance. Also, some 2 1 + unit leader Scouts may not be interested in 3 1 + unit leader becoming OA members. The unit 4 2 + unit leader leader should have a conversation with those youth who are not interested in 5 2 + unit leader becoming an OA member to under- 6 2 + unit leader stand the reasoning behind that deci- 7 3 + unit leader

Guide to Unit Elections – 75 – Order of the Arrow, BSA No. of Maximum No. of If a Scout was incorrectly inducted, the Youths Adults That Can Scout should be allowed to retain mem- Elected be Nominated bership in the Order of the Arrow. The Scout should be counseled about the cir- 8 3 + unit leader cumstances with guidance from their unit 9 3 + unit leader leader and the chapter or lodge adviser so 10 4 + unit leader that they can help the Scout mature, par- 11 4 + unit leader ticipate, and be successful in the Order of 12 4 + unit leader the Arrow. And so forth 26. I’m a chapter adviser. A chapter elections 24. What is the role of the unit leader (scout- team recently conducted an election for a master, crew advisor, or skipper) and the unit in my chapter and three Scouts were unit committee chair in signing the adult elected. The day after the election, the unit nomination form? Do they decide which leader contacted me to ask for a supple- adults get nominated or does the unit mental election because he accidentally committee make the decision? left some Scouts off the list of those eligi- ble for election. Can the chapter arrange A. The Guide for Officers and Advisers says: for another election? A. Election policy is set by the national OA Each year, upon holding a unit elec- committee to ensure uniformity across the tion for youth candidates that results nation. One longstanding policy is that a in at least one youth candidate being unit may have only one election per year. elected, the unit committee may While it’s regrettable that the unit leader did nominate adults to the lodge adult not provide a complete list of eligible selection committee, composed of Scouts for the election that was held, the lodge adviser, the chair of the national policy does not permit an addi- council committee on which the tional election to be held to address the lodge adviser serves and the lodge issue. staff adviser.

The unit committee decides which adults are nominated, and the unit leader and unit committee chair sign on behalf of the committee and its decision.

25. What should our lodge do if a unit leader mistakenly certifies a Scout as eligible for election when they are not eligible and that Scout is subsequently called out?

A. If a Scout was incorrectly elected, but not called out, do not add them to the list of those to be called out. Have the unit leader counsel the Scout and explain to them that a mistake was made. Encourage the Scout to remain involved and committed so that they may appear on next year’s ballot.

If a Scout was incorrectly called out but not inducted, do not induct them, and, again, have that unit leader conference.

Guide to Unit Elections – 76 – Order of the Arrow, BSA