- Petition
- The written application by which a man requests the privileges of Masonry. It states his name, age, place of residence, and occupation, and affirms his belief in a Supreme Being and his desire of his own free will and accord.
- Of his own free will and accord
- The published affirmation that no candidate may be solicited or pressured. The decision to petition must be the candidate's own, made without inducement.
- Recommenders
- The Master Masons in good standing who sign the candidate's petition, vouching for his character. The number required is set by the Grand Lodge's published Code.
- Investigation Committee
- A committee of Master Masons appointed by the Master to interview the candidate, verify the statements in his petition, and report to the Lodge.
- Qualifications
- The published requirements of a candidate for Masonry: of mature age, of good repute, of sound mind, free, and a believer in a Supreme Being.
- Mature age
- A candidate must have reached the age set by his Grand Lodge, historically twenty-one years, though some jurisdictions accept eighteen with additional requirements. The your Grand Lodge publishes its current minimum in its Code.
- Ballot
- The vote by which the Lodge decides whether to admit a candidate. The instrument is a ballot box with white and black balls; the result must be unanimously favorable.
- White ball
- A white ball cast in the ballot signifies a favorable vote: the brother is willing to receive the candidate.
- Black ball / black cube
- A black ball (in some jurisdictions, a black cube) cast in the ballot signifies an unfavorable vote: the brother objects. Even a single black ball is decisive against the candidate.
- Unanimous favorable result
- The published rule that a Lodge ballot must be unanimously favorable for a candidate to be elected. The rule preserves harmony, the central concern of a Masonic Lodge.