What is E-voting in AGM

E-voting allows eligible shareholders to vote electronically on resolutions placed before them by a company. It gives shareholders a way to participate without having to be physically present at the meeting.

• A company generally holds its AGM within 6 months from the end of the financial year, subject to applicable provisions and exceptions.
• Remote e-voting is generally kept open for at least 3 days under the applicable e-voting rules.
• Your voting rights depend on the shares you hold as on the specified cut-off date.
• Eligible shareholders can use the electronic voting facility provided through platforms such as CDSL or NSDL.
• E-voting helps shareholders take part in important company decisions without attending the meeting in person.
   

E-voting for shares is an electronic system through which eligible shareholders can vote on company resolutions online. It allows you to exercise your voting rights without having to cast your vote physically at the meeting.
The Companies Act, 2013 provides for voting through electronic means for prescribed classes of companies. Therefore, the earlier statement that all companies must provide e-voting facilities is too broad.
Through e-voting, you can participate in decisions placed before shareholders while using the electronic voting facility provided for that meeting.
Earlier methods could include physical or postal voting. With e-voting, the voting process can be completed electronically during the period specified in the meeting notice.
Example: Suppose you hold shares in a company and it asks shareholders to vote on the appointment of a director. If you are eligible for e-voting, you can cast your vote online during the specified voting period instead of attending the meeting only for the purpose of voting.

Also read: What is a Demat account
 

Suppose you have invested in a company called ‘MNO’. The company informs you about its upcoming AGM and provides details of the remote e-voting period in its meeting notice.
You can cast your vote during this specified period. Once the remote e-voting window closes, you cannot use that window to submit or change your vote.
Your voting rights are based on your shareholding as on the cut-off date specified for the meeting.
Example: If MNO holds its AGM on 24 June, the company may specify an e-voting period before the AGM. You need to cast your vote within the dates and times given in the notice rather than assuming a fixed voting schedule for every company.
 

The exact login process can differ depending on whether your shares are held in demat or physical form and which e-voting platform is being used. A general process is:

1. Open the e-voting platform: Visit the electronic voting facility specified in the company's AGM or meeting notice, such as the CDSL or NSDL e-voting platform.
2. Log in: Enter the login details required for your type of shareholding. CDSL provides an online authentication facility for beneficial owners using its e-voting system.
3. Verify your details: Complete the required authentication using the details or verification method specified on the platform.
4. Select the e-voting event: After logging in, select the company or relevant voting event for which you want to vote.
5. Cast your vote: Review the resolutions and choose the available voting option for each resolution.

6. Submit your vote: Confirm your selections and submit them within the voting period specified by the company.

   
   

For shareholders holding physical shares, the login details and process may differ. You should use the credentials and instructions provided in the company's meeting notice.

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Shareholders have the right to participate in eligible company decisions placed before them for voting. E-voting gives them a way to exercise these voting rights electronically.
It can be useful when you cannot physically attend a company's meeting but still want to vote on the resolutions.
E-voting can help shareholders participate in matters related to a company's governance, appointments and other resolutions placed before them.
For example, if a resolution seeks shareholder approval for the appointment of a director, an eligible shareholder can use e-voting to vote on that resolution within the specified period.
 

Also read: Trading on equity
 

E-voting makes it easier for eligible shareholders to take part in important company decisions without attending a meeting in person. You can use the e-voting platform mentioned in the company’s notice, log in with the required details, review the resolutions, and cast your vote within the specified period. Since voting rights are linked to your shareholding on the cut-off date, e-voting helps you exercise your rights and participate in the company’s decision-making process more conveniently.