Is it okay to ballot on candidates or examine candidates on the day of the Degree?

In the Grand Lodge of New York,

This is not disallowed, so it’s difficult to say it’s “not okay.” But there are reasons it’s not a good idea in most circumstances. First, it can use up a lot of precious time on Degree nights. Efficiency is the single most important factor in avoiding lengthy Degree nights. If a Lodge desires to get its Brethren home at a reasonable hour, the Master should open the Communication on time, proceed promptly to the Degree with little or no transaction of business, and minimize the number and duration of refreshment periods. Balloting and/or examinations can add considerably to the runtime of a meeting. Second, a candidate should never come to a Lodge building expecting to have a Degree conferred upon him only to be turned away due to a cloudy ballot or insufficient proficiency. These occurrences are bad for the candidate and bad for the Lodge. More to the point, there is no reason balloting or examinations have to happen on the day of a Degree—both of these things can be done and should be done at a prior Communication.

The answers provided here reflect GLNY customs, rules, and ritual. We welcome discussion about how these may differ in your jurisdiction.