Proxy Voting Basics

• Proxy voting is a process in which you allow someone who will physically be present at the meeting to cast your vote for you. Ahead of time, the company will send out information about the upcoming meeting. It will go over the agenda and list any items that need to be voted on. If you are a shareholder and you know that you will be unable to attend the meeting, you can cast your vote through a proxy.
  
  

Corporate Elections

• Shareholders get to vote on some important issues when it comes to running a company. One of the most important things that shareholders get to vote on is the election of a board of directors. When a member of the board of directors leaves, the shareholders will get to vote on another person to act as a replacement. The shareholders also get to vote on important matters such as implementing a stock option program or merging with another company.
  
  

Methods

• When you will be unable to attend a meeting, you can typically cast a proxy vote in one of several ways. Usually the company will provide you with a way to mail in your votes. If mail is not convenient for you, you can also usually call in and cast your vote over the phone. Some companies also make it possible for you to proxy vote over the Internet. This way, you will be able to cast your vote, regardless of your situation.
  
  

Considerations

• When a vote comes up, many small shareholders feel that they should not waste their time voting on a corporate election. While your vote may not make much of a difference in some situations, it could make a big difference in others. For each share of stock that you own, you typically get one vote. For example, if you have 1,000 shares, this gives you 1,000 votes to work with. By casting these votes, you can help make important decisions for the company and protect your investment.