Bahá'í Election

Every year, Bahá'ís all over the world over gather in their local communities on the the first day of Ridvan to elect the nine members of their Local Spiritual Assembly. Every adult Bahá'í at the age of 21 is eligible to be voted for. Participation in the elections is a sacred duty, and being elected onto a Local Assembly is considered a position of service rather than a position power.

In describing Bahá'í elections, Shoghi Effendi, through a letter written on his behalf, conveyed:
When called upon to vote in a Bahá'í election, believers should be aware that they are carrying out a sacred task unique to this Dispensation. They should approach this duty in a prayerful attitude, seeking divine guidance and confirmation. As Shoghi Effendi has advised, "they must turn completely to God, and with a purity of motive, a freedom of spirit and a sanctity of heart, participate in the elections." Through their wholehearted embrace of the Bahá'í electoral process, the believers will witness, day by day, a greater contrast between the emerging institutions of the Bahá'í Administrative Order and the decaying social order around them. In this increasing distinction will be seen the promise of the glory of the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh--the System destined to fulfil the highest expectations of humanity.