One’s vote should be kept confidential. It is not permissible to make any reference whatsoever to individual names. The friends must avoid the evil methods and detestable practices of the politicians. They must turn completely to God, and with a purity of motive, a freedom of spirit and a sanctity of heart, participate in the elections; otherwise the outcome will be chaos and confusion, serious difficulties will ensue, mischief will abound and the confirmation of God will be cut off.
On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 16 January 1923 to the Central Spiritual Assembly of Írán — translated from the Persian
Let them exercise the utmost vigilance so that the elections are carried out freely, universally and by secret ballot. Any form of intrigue, deception, collusion and compulsion must be stopped and is forbidden.
On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 8 March 1932 to a Local Spiritual Assembly — translated from the Persian
The strength and progress of the Bahá’í community depend upon the election of pure, faithful and active souls… Canvassing is deprecated….
On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 9 April 1932 to a Local Spiritual Assembly — translated from the Persian
The electors … must prayerfully and devotedly and after meditation and reflection elect faithful, sincere, experienced, capable and competent souls who are worth of membership….
On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 1 July 1943 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Írán — translated from the Persian
In regard to your question about qualifications of delegates and Assembly members: the qualifications which he outlined are really applicable to anyone we elect to a Bahá’í office, whatever its nature. But these are only an indication, they do not mean people who don’t fulfil them cannot be elected to office. We must aim as high as we can….
On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 24 October 1947 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, ‘Unfolding Destiny’, p. 207