The voting method will be specified by the Bishop and will be done by voice, raising hands, standing, or in writing. To be recognized to speak on an issue, raise the white paddle. When the Bishop recognizes anyone with a raised white paddle, the Bishop 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 to the registration desk.

Lanyard colors are reflective of your current status, not your 07/01/24 status.

• Red – Lay Members, At-Large Members, Deaconesses, Diaconal Ministers, Home Missioners (¶602.6)
  • Vote on all deliberations/measures except on the granting and validation of license, ordination, reception into full conference membership, or any questions concerning character and official conduct of ordained ministers.
  • Attend Laity Session
• Blue – Clergy Members (Deacons/Elders) in Full Connection and all members of the Board of Ordained Ministry (including local pastors, associate members and laity)  (¶602.1a)
  • Vote on all matters of the Annual Conference.
  • Attend Clergy Session
• Green – Local Pastors and Retired Local Pastors under appointment and those serving as Other Denomination (¶602.1d, ¶346.2)
  • Vote on all matters except ordination, character, constitutional amendments, clergy delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conference and conference relations of clergy, except those who are members of the Board of Ordained Ministry.
  • Attend Clergy Session
• White – Associate Members, Provisional Members  (¶602.1b, c)
  • Vote on all matters except ordination, character, constitutional amendments, clergy delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conference and conference relations of clergy, except those who are members of the Board of Ordained Ministry.
  • Attend Clergy Session
• Orange – Retired Local Pastors not under appointment  (¶320.5)
  • Have voice but no vote
  • May attend Clergy Session
• Purple – Interim Supply (¶206.4)
  • No voice or vote unless granted on the floor of the Conference.
  • Does not attend Clergy Session; may attend the Laity Session
• Yellow – Members of Other Conferences, Other Methodist Denominations, Affiliates, Student Pastors (¶346.1, ¶318.3, ¶344.4)
  • Have voice but no vote
  • May attend Clergy Session
  • Student pastors as listed in The Book of Discipline ¶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.