A believer has the right to vote for himself during the
election time, if he conscientiously feels the urge to do so. This does not
necessarily imply that he is ambitious or selfish. For he might conscientiously
believe that his qualifications entitle him to membership in a Bahá'í
administrative body, and he might be right. The essential, however, is that he
should be sincere in his belief, and should act according to the dictates of
his conscience. Moreover, membership in an Assembly or committee is a form of
service, and should not be looked upon as a mark of inherent superiority, or a
means for self-praise. (From a letter dated 27 March 1938 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, published in ‘Dawn of a New Day’; The Compilation of Compilation, Vol. III, Sanctity and
Nature of Baha’i Elections)
