These local Spiritual Assemblies will have to be elected
directly by the friends, and every declared believer of 21 years and above, far
from standing aloof and assuming an indifferent or independent attitude, should
regard it his sacred duty to take part conscientiously and diligently, in the
election, the consolidation and the efficient working of his own local
Assembly.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a message dated March 12, 1923; ‘Baha’i
Administration’)