Procedure RE: [MR] Queen's Arms

[Gorm Of Berra]

Something that needs to be noted, and since I'm the guy who has the job to note this kinda stuff in the area of Heraldic Submissions, I guess it falls to me to do it:

The process of changing the Queen's Arms is a long and convoluted one.  Atlantia does *not* currently have the old version registered to it (any rumors you may have heard about 'Ancient Arms' being retained are not applicable here, as these are not Kingdom Arms, further the old ones were released when the change was made).

Therefore, there is an established process that must be gone through.  We must reregister the proposed Arms. This process takes about 6 months, the same amount of time it takes anybody in particular to register their own personal Arms.  Logan and Isabel will be long off the throne when it concludes (assuming it does).  The next monarchs would be off the throne before they could change it back.  This is not just a matter of their whim, it is a lasting change, and as such demands long and careful consideration, which I am certain their Highnesses have made.

For the Arms of the King and Queen, there is an additional and necessary step than that which an individual goes through.  From the rules of the Laurel Herald's Office:

5. Evidence of Support - Submissions involving the branch name or arms of an active branch must include evidence of support for the action on the part of a majority of the active members of the branch.... In the case of branches with ruling nobles, such petitions must also include a statement of support from the ruling noble. A valid petition must include a clear description of the item submitted; either the blazon or emblazon is sufficient for a petition regarding branch arms, though both are preferable. If a submission would result in the registration or modification of the Branch Name or Branch Arms of a kingdom, principality or equivalent branch, support must be demonstrated by the results of a poll conducted in the relevant official newsletter and certified by the seneschal of the appropriate branch.

(end quote)

Laurel has in the past interpreted this requirement to extend to the Arms of the Queen as well as the Kingdom/King.

So, basically, this process can not, and will not, move forward, regardless of the King or Queen's desires, unless there is a petition or polling showing a positive response from a majority of the "active" members of the branch.

Generally, "active members" is defined as "paid members", although there is some wiggle room there.
  
A polling must be put into the Acorn (which it was, it appeared in April and will again in May, I am told), the results must be tabulated, and then a yes/no decision must be made on the question "Has there been a display from a majority of the active members of the Branch of sufficient support for this change".

Talking about it here will do absolutely nothing.  The only input that will matter for these purposes is that sent as a result of the polling.

The Crown is not completely bound by the results of this polling, however.  Even if everyone in the Kingdom said "Yes, change it", they would have the option of taking the advice offered and either not submitting the change, or designing a complete other change (which would require a new polling).

I presume their Highnesses are aware of these requirements  (in fact, I can virtually guarantee it), and I know they are acting accordingly (if only because if they acted incorrectly, the submission would eventually cross my desk, and I would be bound by the rules to return it for lack of demonstrated support).

So, in short...respond to the polling.  If you don't get an acorn, go to http://herald.atlantia.sca.org , print out the polling there, and respond.

The information I have received is that unless a majority of the populace supports this change, and that support is indicated in the polling, the status quo must and will stand.

If you are in favor of the status quo, still respond to the polling.  If the positive numbers are close to a majority, it means a lot more if the polling results are 700-650 than if it's 700-100.  The 700-100 is probably adequate to make the change, the 700-650 would be looked at very closely.

In short, respond to the polling!

In Service,

Gorm of Berra
Golden Dolphin Herald
Submissions Herald in and for the Kingdom of Atlantia

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