What form of governance do the lodges operate under?

The lodges operate under democratic principles where officers are elected by the members. This system ensures that all members have a voice in the governance structure of the lodge, reflecting the values of equality and collective decision-making that are foundational to many Masonic organizations.

In this model, members participate in selecting their leaders, which fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility. It also allows for the leadership to be representative of the membership's interests and priorities, encouraging active involvement and engagement from all members. This democratic approach contrasts with more rigid systems, such as those based on hierarchy or autocracy, where decisions may be made unilaterally by a single leader or a small group, diminishing the collective input from the broader membership. The merit-based system, while important in certain contexts, does not directly describe the democratic process of electing officers that is characteristic of lodge governance.