The Third Estate

Back to the Estates

Back to the forums

Membership in the lower house, also known as the Third Estate, is restricted to commoners. Anyone who does not hold a title of nobility (Baron or greater - knighthood, while an exalted rank, does not ennoble) may claim a seat, and an appropriate number of votes, in the Third Estate. Until a member claims his seat, the votes accorded thereto are not counted.

A member may resign his seat at any time, but a seat so resigned may not be reclaimed for a period of three months.

Votes are apportioned as follows:

- All commoners are given 1 vote each.
- All knights, regardless of rank or number of orders of knighthood, are given 1 additional vote, over and above their vote as an ordinary commoner, for a total of 2 votes.
- The Emperor, or his designated proxy, is given 1 vote.