This weekend Baha'is in the U.S. will vote for their delegate to the National Baha'i Convention next spring which will elect the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States for the next year.

It is a process rather unusual when compared to political elections. Baha'is do not elect a representative who is to represent them at the convention, but a delegate who goes and votes according to his or her heart tells them. And their vote is confidential between them and God. It is a two tier election specified by 'Abdu'l-Baha.

There is no nominating, no campaigning, no electioneering, no canvassing for votes. These elections are an act of prayer.

The elections for these delegates are also an act of prayer. All elections in the Baha'i community are acts of prayer. Because of this, Baha'is are assured that the results are guided by God.

The people who are elected are surprised to be elected. No one can seek to be elected, so no one knows whether they may or may not be elected. As a result those who are elected feel a level of trust placed in them and they endeavor their best to carry out that trust.

The process has worked for nearly a century, I am confident it will continue to work for centuries more.