May 29, 2009
I am strongly in favor of shareholder ballot issues left blank being counted as "abstentions" whether it be on only one issue or all of them. Sometimes a proposal is poorly worded or without enough foundation or understanding to cast an intelligent vote either "for" or "against" and I resent the idea of my reluctance being automatically counted as a "yes" vote.
Votes should be up or down with the winner being determined by the actual votes cast and not by stolen votes. It not only makes for a more legitmate winner but would encourage more shareholders to actually participate.
B. Rose Gettman