Staples 2014 Annual Report Download - page 79

INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING
www.staplesannualmeeting.com STAPLES 75
You may vote using any of the following methods:
If you are a registered shareholder, you may vote in person at
the meeting or by proxy. If you decide to vote by proxy, you
may do so over the Internet, by telephone or by mail.
• Over the Internet. After reading the proxy materials,
you may use a computer to access the website
www.proxyvote.com. You will be prompted to enter
your control number from your proxy card. This number
will identify you as a shareholder of record. Follow the
instructions that will be given to you to record your vote.
• By telephone. After reading the proxy materials, you may
call [phone] using a touch-tone telephone. You
will be prompted to enter your control number from your
proxy card. This number will identify you as a shareholder
of record. Follow the instructions that will be given to you
to record your vote.
• By mail. If you received a paper copy of the proxy card by
mail, after reading the proxy materials, you may sign, date
and mark your proxy card and return it in the prepaid and
addressed envelope provided.
If you are a beneficial owner and you own shares that are
held in “street name” by a bank, broker or other nominee, you
will need to contact your bank, broker or other nominee to
determine whether you will be able to submit a proxy over the
Internet or by telephone.
If you are a registered shareholder as of the record date and
attend the meeting, you may personally deliver your completed
proxy card or vote in person at the meeting. If you complete,
sign and return your proxy card, it will be voted as you direct.
If you are a beneficial owner, your bank, broker or other
nominee, as the record holder of your shares, is required to
vote our shares according to your instructions. Your bank,
broker or other nominee will send you directions on how to
vote those shares. If you hold your shares in street name, you
must request a legal proxy from your bank, broker or nominee
if you would like to vote in person at the Annual Meeting.
What is a Broker Non-Vote?
A broker is entitled to vote shares held for a shareholder
on “discretionary” matters without instructions from the
shareholder of those shares. However, if a shareholder does
not provide timely instructions, the broker does not have the
authority to vote on any “non-discretionary” proposals at the
Annual Meeting and a “broker non-vote” would occur.
The only matter at the 2015 Annual Meeting that is
“discretionary” is the ratification of our independent
registered public accounting firm. The other matters are
“non-discretionary.”
Please instruct your broker how to vote your shares using the
voting instruction form provided by your broker or following
any instructions provided by your broker for voting your shares
over the Internet or telephonically, if available.
What if I sign and return my proxy or instruction form
but do not provide voting instructions?
If no choice is specified on a signed proxy card, the
persons named as proxies will vote in accordance with the
recommendations of the Board.
Can I change or revoke my proxy after I return my
proxy card?
Yes. Any proxy may be changed or revoked by a shareholder
at any time before it is exercised at the Annual Meeting by:
• Submitting a properly signed proxy card with a later date
that is received at or prior to the Annual Meeting;
• Submitting a vote at a later time via the Internet
or telephone;
• Attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person; or
• Delivering to our Corporate Secretary a written notice
of revocation, provided such statement is received at or
prior to the Annual Meeting.
If you are a beneficial owner and hold shares in street name,
you may submit new voting instructions or revoke your
voting instructions by contacting your bank, broker or other
nominee. You may also change your vote or revoke your voting
instructions in person at the Annual Meeting if you obtain a
legal proxy from the record holder (bank, broker or other
nominee) giving you the right to vote the shares.
Are there other matters to be voted on at the meeting?
As of the date of this proxy statement, our Board does not
know of any other matters which may come before the meeting,
other than the matters described in this proxy statement and
the deadline under our bylaws for submission of matters by
shareholders has passed. Should any other matter requiring
a vote of our shareholders arise and be properly presented at
the Annual Meeting, the proxy for the Annual Meeting confers
upon the persons named in the proxy and designated to
vote the shares discretionary authority to vote, or otherwise
act, with respect to any such matter in accordance with their
best judgment.
Our Board encourages shareholders to attend the
Annual 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 is appreciated. Shareholders who attend
the Annual Meeting may vote their stock personally
even though they have sent in their proxies. If you are
a beneficial owner, you must request a legal proxy from
your bank, broker or nominee if you would like to vote in
person at the Annual Meeting.