Understanding the Bishop Election Process

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The process of electing a bishop is important and unique, and begins months before the Assembly. One important part of the process is identifying potential questions for candidates. The Bishop Election Committee is working with the synod’s Restructuring Team to receive input from people across the synod, to discern the qualities sought in a bishop to serve from 2026-2032. From this input, the Elections Committee will formulate questions (referenced below) that will be asked of candidates at the Assembly.

 

At Synod Assembly, the election will be conducted by a representative from the ELCA, and may consist of up to five ballots.

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    Ecclesiastical Ballot (Thursday Evening)

    The first ballot is an ecclesiastical ballot, which is a nominating ballot. Voting members at the Assembly may vote on this ballot for any ordained minister on the ELCA roster of Word and Sacrament (i.e., any ELCA pastor). 75% of votes are needed for an election on the first ballot. Following the results of this ballot, anyone who received at least one vote will have the opportunity to withdraw their name from further ballots. (This is the only opportunity to withdraw.)

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    Second Ballot (Friday Morning)

    The second ballot will consist of the names of all who received votes on the first ballot, and did not withdraw. Again, 75% of votes are needed for an election on the second ballot.

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    Third Ballot (Friday Evening)

    The seven candidates (plus ties) who receive the most votes on the second ballot will proceed to the third ballot. At this time, candidates will provide biographical information as well as permission for background checks to be conducted. Prior to the third ballot, there will be opportunity for the assembly to have conversation (in groups) with each of the seven candidates. There will also be the opportunity to caucus and discuss with others from your mission district. Two-thirds of the votes are required for an election on the third ballot.

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    Fourth Ballot (Saturday Morning)

    The three candidates (plus ties) who receive the most votes on the third ballot will proceed to the fourth ballot. Prior to the fourth ballot, these three will have the opportunity to speak to the whole assembly, answering questions chosen by the Bishop Election Committee. 60% of votes are needed for election.

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    Final Ballot (Saturday Afternoon)

    The two candidates (plus ties) who receive the most votes on the fourth ballot will proceed to the fifth ballot. Prior to this ballot, each of the candidates will have the opportunity to speak again, answering a question chosen by the Bishop Election Committee. A majority of votes are needed for election.

If Bishop deForest is reelected, there will be a brief service of Affirmation of Ministry at the assembly.

If a new bishop is elected, an installation will be scheduled.

How You Can Help

This year’s Synod Assembly voting will be conducted using paper ballots, which means additional volunteers will be needed to help distribute, collect, and count the ballots.

 

We need a dedicated group of counters to tally the election results, particularly for the first and second ballots. It is best if counters are not voting members at the assembly. Also, we may need a group of “ushers” willing to distribute ballots and other assembly material throughout the assembly. Ushers can be voting members of the assembly. If you are willing to serve as either a counter or an usher, or if you have any questions about this election process, please contact Rev. Michael Scholtes, Bishop Election Committee chair.

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Return to the Synod Assembly webpage for additional information, updates, and resources.

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