Integrative Elections

Integrative Elections

Holacracy uses a unique election process called Integrative Elections to fill certain structural roles within each circle. Unlike traditional voting, integrative elections are designed to surface the best candidate through structured rounds of nomination, discussion, and objection integration.

Elected vs. Assigned Roles

Not all structural roles are filled the same way. Per the Holacracy Constitution v5.0, roles fall into two categories based on their assignmentMethod:

The Circle Lead is the only structural role that is assigned rather than elected. Per Article 2.4 of the Holacracy Constitution, the Circle Lead of a sub-circle is appointed by the Circle Lead of the parent circle.

The remaining three structural roles -- Facilitator, Secretary, and Circle Rep (also called Rep Link) -- are elected by the members of the circle itself, following the integrative election process described below.

Special Case: Anchor Circle

Per Article 1.4 of the Holacracy Constitution v5.0, the Anchor Circle has no Circle Lead. Instead, FOUNDER-tier members act as ratifiers who govern the Anchor Circle directly. See Member Tiers for details on how tier-based eligibility works.

The Election Process

Integrative elections are facilitated by the circle's Facilitator (or a stand-in if the Facilitator role is being elected). The process follows four distinct phases:

Phase 1: Nominate (NOMINATING)

Each circle member nominates one candidate for the role being elected. Nominations are made openly, with each nominator briefly explaining their reasoning.

• Each member nominates exactly one person (including themselves if desired)
• Nominations are stated aloud with a brief rationale
• No discussion or debate during this phase
• The Facilitator records all nominations

Phase 2: Change or Stand (CHANGE_STAND)

After all nominations are visible, each nominator has the opportunity to change their nomination or stand by their original choice.

• The Facilitator goes around the circle asking each person if they want to change
• Members may switch their nomination based on what they heard
• Brief reasoning is shared for any changes
• This phase surfaces emergent consensus

Phase 3: Objection Round (OBJECTING)

The Facilitator identifies the nominee with the most nominations (or uses judgment to select a candidate) and proposes that person for the role. Circle members then have the opportunity to raise objections.

• The Facilitator proposes the leading candidate
• Each circle member is asked: "Do you have an objection to this nomination?"
• Valid objections must articulate a specific reason the candidate would harm the circle's ability to express its purpose
• Objections are integrated by considering alternative candidates or adjustments
• If an objection cannot be resolved, the process may restart with a new candidate

Phase 4: Conclude (COMPLETED)

Once no further valid objections remain, the election is complete and the candidate is confirmed in the role.

• The Facilitator announces the election result
• The elected person accepts the role
• The election is recorded by the Secretary
• The role assignment takes effect immediately

Election Status Flow

The election process tracks its state through the following statuses:

NOMINATING --> CHANGE_STAND --> OBJECTING --> COMPLETED

Each status represents the current phase of an active election. The Facilitator advances the election through each phase in sequence.

Election Eligibility

Not all circle members can participate in elections equally. The fxyz Network uses a tier-based eligibility system that determines who can vote and who can be nominated:

• OBSERVER and INITIATE tier members cannot vote in elections
• EXPLORER, NAVIGATOR, and FOUNDER tier members can vote
• Only members whose tier permits filling the role type can be nominated (e.g., only NAVIGATOR or FOUNDER tier members can be nominated for structural roles)

When Elections Happen

Elections are held:

• When a circle is first created and its structural roles need to be filled
• When an elected role holder's term expires (if terms are defined)
• When an elected role holder vacates the role
• When a governance proposal successfully requests a new election for a role
• During regular governance meetings as an agenda item

Technical Details

In the fxyz Network data model, each structural role has an assignmentMethod field that indicates whether the role is assigned or elected. This field is used by the platform to:

• Display the correct assignment UI (election flow vs. direct assignment)
• Enforce that only the Circle Lead can assign assigned roles
• Ensure elected roles go through the proper election process
• Track election history and results

Related Documentation:

• Roles & Circles
• Member Tiers
• Constitution
• Holacracy Constitution v5.0 - Article 2.5: Elected Roles