Staples 2015 Annual Report Download - page 73

INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING, VOTING AND OTHER SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
www.staplesannualmeeting.com STAPLES 69
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 2016 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 by-laws 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.