The voting method will be specified by the Bishop and will be done by voice, raising hands, standing, in writing, or by hand‐held electronic device. To be recognized to speak on an issue, raise the white paddle. When the Bishop recognizes anyone with a raised white paddle, they will designate the microphone where that person should go to speak. No person may be recognized standing at a microphone before one has been assigned.
All name tags are white with a colored lanyard. The lanyard colors assist the tellers with counting any necessary votes that are taken. Please wear your name tag and lanyard at all times. Upon leaving the Annual Conference, return lanyards and electronic voting devices to the registration desk.
Lanyard colors are reflective of your current status, not your 07/01/23 status.
- Red – Lay Members, At-Large Members, Deaconesses, Diaconal Ministers, Home Missioners
- Vote on all deliberations/measures other than clerical license, ordination, and reception. (See ¶602.6)
- Attend Laity Session
- Blue – Clergy Members (Deacons/Elders) in Full Connection and all members of the Board of Ordained Ministry
- Vote on all matters of the Annual Conference. (See ¶602.1a)
- Attend Clergy Session
- Green – Local Pastors and Retired Local Pastors under appointment
- Vote on all matters except ordination, character, and constitutional amendments, except those who are members of the Board of Ordained Ministry. (See ¶602.1b, c,d)
- Attend Clergy Session
- White – Associate Members, Provisional Members
- They shall NOT vote on matters of ordination, character, constitutional amendments, and conference relations of clergy, except those who are members of the Board of Ordained Ministry
- Attend Clergy Session
- Purple – Interim Supply
- No voice or vote unless granted on the floor of the Conference
- Do not attend Clergy Session; may attend the Laity Session
- Yellow – Members of Other Conferences, Affiliates, Student Pastors, and those serving as Other Denomination
- No vote and no voice unless granted on the floor of the Conference
- May attend Clergy Session
- Student pastors are local pastors, as outlined in ¶318.3
- Black – Official Staff Members and Guests
- All staff available for your assistance will be wearing black lanyards
- These have no vote and have no voice unless granted on the floor of the Conference