"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)

End of Quote

Earth is But One Country
J. Huddleston