Troop Elections (PL, SPL) - No Absentee Votes Allowed?

[Billiken]

Our PLC met last week.
One of the boys suggested that since EVERY Scout in our Troop (x-1) will be at summer camp, we should hold PL and SPL elections there. The positons would take effect the day after we return from summer camp.

Great idea, IMHO.

What about ------------ who is taking a summer school class so he can have more free time when swimming season starts in the fall?
Guys: NOPE. Must be present to cast a vote.

The absent boy is the son of our CC. I can see the absentee issue coming.

Do any of your troop allow absentee ballots in Troop elections?

[pipestone1991]

I would think only if they have a valid excuse.

[FieldSports]

We dont. No one has ever asked.

Could be a good idea. The position effects all the scouts for 6 months. But, then again to vote in elections you have to go to the polls on the right day. Ohh and then there's mail in votes and what about vote by proxy?

[Mrw]

no one has ever asked, but I am pretty sure the answer would be no.

Elections are always held in one of our regular troop meetings and all the boys should know in advance when the election will be so they can be there.

[Hubert]

We have a small troop. However, if the case is an issue, such as a funeral, summer school to get back on track, or something that can NOT be helped, then I do think they should be able to have an absentee ballot. If they are just ill with the flu then no, but if the reason is strong enough, I think they should.

They are a member in the troop, why silence their voice?

A side note: I am shipping for boot camp in August, I will more than likely be filling out an absentee ballot for the presidential elections.

[FrankJ]

Since there is nothing official on this, troops are free to make their own rules. Personally if would have no problem either way assuming the rues are applied consistently. In our troop, you must be present to vote.

[Fibonacci]

We had an election where one of the candidates could not be present (legitimate reason.) He wrote up his speech, the SM read it, and the Scout actually won! He didn't, however, cast an absentee vote for himself; he didn't ask.

My opinion about the original question: since the troop is choosing to hold an election NOT at a troop meeting, they should accommodate the Scout who is not going to be there, regardless of his reason.

[scouter01]

How about do it at a meeting, before summer camp or seomthing so no one has an excuse not to come ( except for maybe a funeral or something)

[smtroop168]

You actually can get the whole troop together at one time??? I say leave it up to the PLC. Is the CC son one who is running for SPL?

Oh by the way the OA doesn't allow absentee votes.

If this is a concern, what's the "Paul Harvey" on this?