Proxy Card
A ballot document sent to shareholders that allows them to authorize another party to vote their shares at a shareholder meeting.
Full Definition
A proxy card is the official voting instrument distributed to shareholders as part of a company's proxy solicitation for an annual or special shareholder meeting. It enables shareholders who cannot attend in person to appoint a proxy — typically a company officer — to vote their shares according to their instructions. Under SEC rules, proxy cards must accompany or be preceded by a proxy statement. Registered holders receive proxy cards directly from the transfer agent, while beneficial owners typically receive voting instruction forms (VIFs) from their brokers or from Broadridge. Hyphenate as a compound modifier (e.g., 'proxy-card deadline') but not as a noun ('the proxy card').
Usage
Usage note: Do not conflate with 'voting instruction form (VIF),' which is used by beneficial owners through their brokers, not registered holders. The proxy card conveys legal authority to vote; a VIF merely instructs the broker how to vote.
In Context
- "Shareholders can return the proxy card by mail, or vote online using the control number printed on the card." — Annual meeting proxy package
- "Blank proxy cards returned without voting instructions will be voted in the board's discretion." — Proxy statement voting procedures section