2025 Pastoral Election Process
Lake Providence (LPMBC) is partnering with Simply Voting, a web-based voting system, to establish an independent website and manage the pastoral election. Simply Voting will oversee the entire election process, including ballot distribution, vote collection, and certification of results. LPMBC will provide Simply Voting with a list of eligible voters and their email addresses.
On Wednesday October 15, the nominee’s resume will be presented during the monthly town hall. On Wednesday October 29, the congregation will virtually meet the nominee and their family. On Saturday November 1, the congregation will be invited to attend an in person Meet and Greet to engage in conversation with the nominee and get to know the individual who may be leading our church into its next chapter. On Sunday November 2, the nominee will deliver the Sunday sermon at LPMBC.
On Monday November 3, each active church member in good standing will receive an email from Simply Voting. This email will include a secure link and password to an electronic ballot. Voters will select Yes or No to confirm or reject the nominee as the next LPMBC Pastor. Once a ballot is submitted, a printable receipt will be provided to confirm the vote has been successfully recorded. After the receipt is issued, the system will prevent duplicate voting, ensuring the integrity of the process.
The election will open Monday November 3rd when you receive your ballot. You will have until Thursday November 6th at 4pm CST to cast your vote.
The website is user friendly and can be easily accessed from a smartphone, tablet or laptop. Voting will take less than one minute.
For active members who do not have an email address, in-person support will be available. In person voters should bring identification to the voting site at LPMBC. Support means voters will receive help accessing the Simply Voting website. Paper ballots will not be distributed.
In Person Voting support will be Tuesday November 4th through Thursday November 6th from 11am-2pmCST.
Once the election has closed, Simply Voting will certify the results and provide the final tally. The outcome will be formally communicated to the congregation by virtual town hall on Thursday November 6th at 7pm by the Chair of the Search Committee, Chair of the Board of Directors, and Chair of the Deacon Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are eligible voters in LPMBC elections? Active members in good standing who are at least 18 years old. (Church Bylaws-Article III)
Define active members in good standing? Active members in good standing meet at least one of the following: 1) As a new member, completes church orientation for new members. 2) Attends the services of the church on a regular basis. 3) Participates in church functions and activities striving to utilize their gifts and talents. 4) Continues to follow the principles of God’s Word and the ordinances of the church. 5) Actively contributes to the church as they are financially feasible. (Church Bylaws-Article III)
How many votes are required to confirm the new pastor of Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church? The percentage required for the candidate to be elected as Pastor will be 67% of those eligible church members that cast a vote. (Church Bylaws-Article XII)
What happens if the nominee does not get 67% of the votes cast? If the initial nominee fails to secure at least 67% of the votes cast, they are considered rejected. A second candidate will be presented, and a new election will be held. Once a nominee has been rejected, they will not be reconsidered during the current selection process.
Is my vote anonymous? Yes. Simply Voting builds and manages the voting website on their platform. It is impossible for LPMBC election organizers to know how a particular voter has voted.
I don’t have an email address. How can I cast my vote? As an active member of LPMBC, you have the right to participate in church elections. Even though you don’t have an email address, you will have an online ballot. You will vote in person during the designated hours. A voting assistor will help you access the website to cast your vote.
I have an email address, but I didn’t receive an email from Simply Voting? What do I do? First, check your mailbox spam folder for the email. If the email is not in your spam folder, send an email to electioncommittee@lpmbc.net so the issue can be resolved.
My spouse and I share an email address? Will we receive two ballots? If you share an email address with another eligible voter, Simply Voting will send two emails to the address. Each email contains a unique voting link associated with one individual. The unique links enable you to cast two votes.
I am visually impaired. How can I vote? Simply Voting is committed to supporting voters with disabilities and making sure the ballot works with assistive technologies. Devices with assistive technologies can be used to access the Simply Voting platform.
When will election results be shared with the congregation? Church leadership will share the results the day of the election, Thursday November 6.
If you have additional questions regarding the election process, please submit your questions to electioncommittee@lpmbc.net
