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"These Local Spiritual Assemblies will have to be elected directly by the friends, and every declared believer of twenty-one years and above, far from standing aloof and assuming an indifferent or independent attitude, should regard it his sacred duty to take part conscientiously and diligently, in the election, the consolidation and the efficient working of his own local Assembly." (Shoghi Effendi) (95:2) Such a moral obligation would not apply if a Baha'i feels he cannot make an intelligent choice; as he might, if for instance, he has only just arrived in the area. (95:3) "This distinguished right... does not carry with it nor does it imply an obligation to cast his vote if he feels that the circumstances under which he lives do not justify or allow him to exercise that right intelligently and with understanding." (Shoghi Effendi) (95:4) Though there is provision for absentee balloting, the preference is for the community to meet together for the election. At the election meeting the community reviews together the provisions of the Baha'i method of election.. Then there are readings from Baha'i Writings which describe the importance of the system of administration in establishing a new society, and the sort of qualities which are required of those who are to be part of that administration. There follows a time of prayer for spiritual guidance, a time for calmness, reflection and self-searching. Then, and only then, does the actual process of casting the secret ballot take place.
(95:6)
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