Corporate Securities Law Blog: E-Proxy Rules Effective for All Public Companies

In 2007 the SEC created guidelines for public companies to communicate proxy voting information.  By Jan 1, 2009, all public companies are required to adopt these new guidelines which require companies to post proxy materials on a publicly accessible website.

In addition, there were some guidelines about providing electronic means of casting a proxy vote.

Shareholders must be provided with a method to execute proxies as of the time the Notice is first sent to shareholders, either by providing an electronic voting platform, a toll-free telephone number for voting, or a printable or downloadable proxy card on the website. Such a telephone number may appear on the website, but not on the Notice. A proxy card may not be sent until at least ten calendar days after the date the Notice is first sent unless accompanied or preceded by a copy of the proxy statement and any required annual report sent via the same medium, and must be accompanied by another copy of the Notice.

Corporate Securities Law Blog: E-Proxy Rules Effective for All Public Companies