The Unit Election is the beginning of a Scout’s journey in the Order of the Arrow. Each unit election is held at a Troop’s meeting by the local Chapter’s election team. Every youth member in the Order of the Arrow has been chosen by their peers.

What to Expect

All election teams will consist of at least two youth and one adult. Most elections can take between 15 to 30 minutes depending on your unit size. Prior to the election, some teams will ask for a list of eligible scouts in order to build a ballot and some will ask that the unit builds their own ballots. Before contacting your local chapter adviser, please have your list of eligible scouts prepared.

One of the missions of the Order of the Arrow is to promote camping. During your unit election, some teams will have a camping presentation in addition to the election presentation. This will include basic promotion of the Boy Scout High Adventure bases and the council local summer camp: Camp Durant.

As soon as the election is completed the unit leader may announce to the entire unit the names of members who have been elected. Some Chapters have a scheduled call-out ceremony during a district camporee or similar event. Please talk to your local chapter adviser about call-out opportunities when you schedule your unit election.

Important Files

 Adult Nominations

In the Order of the Arrow, adults are considered to be anyone 21 years of age or older. If you have an assistant unit leader between the ages of 18 and 20 who would like to join the Order, they are to be included on the youth ballot and voted in with all other youth.

Adults 21 years of age or older, are to be nominated by the Unit Leader with approval from the Unit Chair as a representative of the entire Unit Committee. Once your unit has completed the election and the local chapter has submitted the results to Lodge, an automated invitation will be emailed to the Unit Leader listed on the election paperwork. The nomination process is completed entirely online. Once submitted, the nomination will be sent to the Lodge Selection Committee for approval and processing. If your unit never received an invitation for Adult Nominations after their election, please contact us.