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SUMMARY. Three forms or methods
of election are recognized: the normal one by ballot, by compromise, and by
quasi-inspiration. No one may vote by proxy.
Text. Since, on account of
the different forms of elections which some endeavor to employ, many
impediments arise and great danger threatens the widowed churches, we decree
that when an election is to take place and all are present who ought, wish, and
are able tobe present, let three trustworthy members of the assembly be chosen
who shall with care collect secretly and one by one the votes of all; and when
these have been written down, he is to be considered elected who has obtained
all or the majority of the votes of the chapter, absolutely no appeal being
allowed. Or the authority of making the choice may be entrusted to some
confidential persons, who in the place of all may provide a pastor for the
widowed church. An election in any other form is not valid, unless perchance
there is absolute unanimity among the electors, as if by divine inspiration.
Whoever shall attempt to hold an election contrary to the aforesaid forms,
shall for this time be deprived of his vote. We absolutely forbid that anyone
appoint a representative in the matter of an election (that is, vote by proxy),
unless he be canonically impeded and cannot come, in which case, if need be,
let him declare himself to that effect on oath, and then he may choose one of
his colleagues at the assembly to represent him. We also disapprove of
clandestine elections, and decree that as soon as an election has it must be
solemnly made public.
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