Election procedure announced for lay delegates to 2000 Conferences

The procedure was approved by the Florida Annual Conference in 1998. Similar to the one used in 1995, it provides the opportunity for a wider range of candidates.

Potential nominees should complete the nominations form  and submit it with a biographical sketch of no more than 50 words and a small photograph to the elections committee. The forms must be postmarked no later than Feb. 15, 1999 and mailed to Elections Procedure Committee, United Methodist Building, P.O. Box 3767, Lakeland, FL 33802 to the attention of Dot Collins and Jose Bove. Forms with a postmark later than Feb. 15 cannot be accepted.

Nominations may be made from the floor at the Lay Orientation session only if those candidates have already agreed to serve if elected. They must also provide and distribute copies of the 50-word biographical statement requested of all nominees.

The nomination form and procedures will be sent to all local church pastors and lay leaders. Copies of the form may be made for additional nominees or for qualified candidates who wish to submit their own names.

Those elected must fulfill specific requirements.

• A delegate to General Conference is required to spend time preparing for and becoming familiar with the legislation mailed in advance, as well as attending the 10- to 12-day General Conference. A modest per diem and travel at economy rates for airlines is paid.
• Delegates to the General Conference automatically become delegates to Jurisdictional Conference when elected.
• A delegate to Jurisdictional Conference is required to spend approximately four to five days at the conference. A modest per diem and travel at economy rates is paid.
• Delegates are expected to attend the entire conference(s) for which they are elected.A delegate to General Conference is required to spend time preparing for and becoming familiar with the legislation mailed in advance, as well as attending the 10- to 12-day General Conference. A modest per diem and travel at economy rates for airlines is paid.

The “1996 Book of Discipline, the United Methodist Church” states the following requirements for election: “The lay delegates to the General and Jurisdictional or Central Conferences shall be elected by the lay members of the annual conference without regard to age, provided such delegates shall have been members of the United Methodist Church for at least two years next preceding their election, and shall have been active participants in the United Methodist Church for at least four years next preceding their election, and are members thereof with the annual conference electing them at the time of holding the General and Jurisdictional or Central Conferences.” (Paragraph 34, Article V, Election of General and Jurisdictional Conference Delegates, “1996 Book of Discipline, the United Methodist Church.”)

Qualified people across the Florida Conference who would like to become delegates to the General and Jurisdictional Conferences may need additional financial aid for meals, travel and lodging beyond the per diem provided by the committee. To provide additional support, churches are being asked to be partners in this ministry by giving financial pledges.

Pledges would be tendered on call as the need is determined up to $250 for General Conference and $100 for Jurisdictional Conference.

A scholarship committee composed of a chairperson, vice chairperson and secretary of the delegation will have the discretion to determine the need and distribute the available funds.

All contributions should be made payable to the Florida Conference Treasurer.

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