What Can I Learn From a Proxy Statement? A proxy provides a process that works much like an absentee ballot.Proxy votes allow board directors to have a say when they are not in attendance. Request a valid legal proxy from your bank, broker or other intermediary for shares held in "street name" a soon as possible. A proxy is like an absentee ballot that enables shareholders to vote without physically attending the in-person shareholder meeting. Ensuring accurate disclosure of proxy voting standards in a proxy statement for an annual shareholder meeting is an important exercise. § 78l, to provide their securityholders with a proxy statement prior to an annual or special meeting of the securityholders. Different states have different rules and regulations. Your Shareholder Proxy will be customized for Alabama. Proxy voting is often done in the context of shareholder meetings to facilitate decision-making when investors cannot be present at a given meeting.