Staples 2003 Annual Report Download - page 8

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Please find page 8 of the 2003 Staples annual report below. You can navigate through the pages in the report by either clicking on the pages listed below, or by using the keyword search tool below to find specific information within the annual report.

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Can I submit a proxy by the Internet or by telephone?
If you are a registered stockholder (i.e., you hold your stock in your own name), you may submit a proxy by the Internet
by following the instructions at http://www.eproxy.com/spls or by telephone by calling 1-800-435-6710. If your shares are
held in “street name”, you will need to contact your broker or other nominee to determine whether you will be able to submit
a proxy by the Internet or by telephone.
Can I change my proxy after I return my proxy card?
Yes. Any proxy may be revoked by a stockholder at any time before it is exercised at the Annual Meeting by delivering
to our Corporate Secretary a written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or by voting in person
at the meeting.
What is the vote required to approve each matter?
Election of Directors — The affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the shares of Staples common stock voting
on the matter is required for the election of Directors. A properly executed proxy marked “WITHHOLD AUTHORITY”
with respect to the election of one or more Directors will not be counted as a vote cast on such matter, although it will be
counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum.
Executive Officer Incentive Plan — The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Staples common
stock voting on the matter is required for the approval of the Executive Officer Incentive Plan. A properly executed proxy
marked “ABSTAIN” will not be counted as a vote cast on such matter, although it will be counted for purposes of determining
whether there is a quorum.
Independent Auditors — The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Staples common stock
voting on the matter is required for the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditors for
the current fiscal year. A properly executed proxy marked “ABSTAIN” will not be counted as a vote cast on such matter,
although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum.
Are there other matters to be voted on at the meeting?
The Board of Directors does not know of any other matters which may come before the meeting. If any other matters
are properly presented to the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy card to vote, or
otherwise act, in accordance with their best judgment.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ENCOURAGES STOCKHOLDERS TO ATTEND THE MEETING.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, YOU ARE URGED TO SUBMIT YOUR PROXY. PROMPT
RESPONSE WILL GREATLY FACILITATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE MEETING AND YOUR
COOPERATION WILL BE APPRECIATED. STOCKHOLDERS WHO ATTEND THE MEETING MAY VOTE
THEIR STOCK PERSONALLY EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE SENT IN THEIR PROXIES.
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