The election must be held at the proper time, which, according to the usage of Masonry, in most parts of the world, is on or immediately before the festival of St.John the Evangelist.

The proper qualifications must be regarded.

A member cannot be elected as Master, unless he has previously served as a Warden, except in the instance of a new lodge, or other case of emergency.

Where both of the Wardens refuse promotion, where the presiding Master will not permit himself to be reelected, and where there is no Past Master who will consent to take the office, then, and then only, can a member be elected from the floor to preside over the lodge.
By the Constitutions of England, only the Master and Treasurer are elected officers.[37] The Wardens and all the other officers are appointed by the Master, who has not, however, the power of removal after appointment, except by consent of the lodge;[38] but American usage gives the election of all the officers, except the deacons, stewards, and, in some instances, the tiler, to the lodge.
As a consequence of the right of election, every lodge has the power of installing its officers, subject to the same regulations, in relation to time and qualifications, as given in the case of elections.
The Master must be installed by a Past Master,[39] but after his own installation he has the power to install the rest of the officers.

The ceremony of installation is not a mere vain and idle one, but is productive of important results.