If I own stock through a mutual fund, do I have the power to vote my shares?

When you buy shares of a publicly traded company, you become a shareholder and acquire a stake in the company’s ownership. As a shareholder, you hold certain rights, including the ability to vote on significant matters that influence the company’s future. But what if you own the shares through an investment in a mutual fund? You might be surprised to learn that when you own shares of a company through a mutual fund, the fund manager, not you, owns the rights to vote the shares. What is a Proxy? A proxy is an individual or organization appointed by a shareholder to vote on their behalf at a company’s annual or special meeting. Proxies can be anyone the shareholder trusts, such as a family member, friend, financial advisor, or even a professional proxy solicitation firm. The process of appointing a proxy is typically facilitated through a proxy statement, which is distributed to shareholders before the meeting. Rights and Responsibilities of Shareholders Shareholder voting is a vital mechanism that allows shareholders to participate in the decision-making process of the company. Key decisions made through shareholder voting include: