Whitman-based Mutual Bank received overwhelming approval from its members to move ahead with its plan to convert to a state charter, by vote at a special meeting held July 17 at the bank’s offices.

Mutual Bank CEO Glen White said he anticipates that Mutual Bank will receive notice of approval of its conversion application from the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks in the coming weeks.

The bank wants to become a Massachusetts co-operative bank, enabling it to offer depositors enhanced deposit insurance protection, and to increase its lending capabilities to qualified borrowers. Its name will remain Mutual Bank.