Freemasonry is NOT a democracy, it is a hierarchy that of necessity, leads to democracy.
As an EA, we do not vote, nor speak on matters before the lodge, for as new members we are as children in the lodge. We are placed in the north-east corner of the lodge, to be near to the Worshipful Master, to listen and thereby learn to be masons. This is the nature of a hierarchy.
As fellowcrafts, we are more experienced brothers, and are encouraged to think, to learn, to grow, and to set examples for our less experienced brethren. We are subservient in the lodge to the Masters, and do not vote or speak on issues before the lodge as we learn to be masters.
As masters, we are deemed equals, and are expected to lead and set examples for the less experienced brethren. We are expected to vote, to speak on issues related to freemasonry, and to raise issues we think are important, to work together and strive to improve ourselves in freemasonry.
As masters, we are all equals, yet still the hierarchy exists as we select from among ourselves those who will, for a time, lead us. THIS is democracy, and is necessary among true equals... for when you consider all men your equal, you cannot strive to force your will upon them. You can only seek to convince them, which is leadership.
So we elect our leaders, and thence, democracy in a hierarchy.
