How are votes counted?
The method of counting votes depends on the method of voting. If electronic voting machines are used, the cartridge inside the machine records each vote and provides a running total of votes entered on that machine. At the conclusion of an election, these cartridges are removed from the voting machine and, 1-5-1, inserted in a counting device that totals the votes from all machine cartridges. If paper ballots are used, these ballots are manually counted. The Davidson County Election Commission has a “scanner” available for the counting of paper ballots used in elections. This process is similar to voting on paper ballot, except the ballot will be printed on specially prepared paper and the voter will mark the ballot with a pencil. The scanner will then “read” the vote from the ballot and keep a count of the total votes casts for each candidate.
Each share of Common Stock entitles its holder to one vote on all matters to come before the Meeting, including the election of directors. In the election of directors, for each of the nominees you may vote “FOR” such nominee or your vote may be “WITHHELD” with respect to such nominee. For the other proposals, you may vote “FOR”, “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN”. If you “ABSTAIN”, it has the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the proposal. If you sign and submit your proxy card or voting instruction card with no instructions, your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board. If you are a shareholder of record and do not return your signed proxy card, your shares will not be voted. If you are a beneficial shareholder and do not return your voting instruction card, your shares may be voted in situations where brokers have discretionary voting authority over the shares.
