Universal Proxy

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Securities and Exchange Commission 17 CFR Part 240 [Release No. 34-79164; IC-32339; File No. S7-24-16 ] RIN 3235-AL84 AGENCY: Securities and Exchange Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: We are proposing amendments to the federal proxy rules to require the use of universal proxies in all non-exempt solicitations in connection with contested elections of directors other than those involving registered investment companies and business development companies. Our proposal would require the use of universal proxies that include the names of both registrant and dissident nominees and thus allow shareholders to vote by proxy in a manner that more closely resembles how they can vote in person at a shareholder meeting. We further propose amendments to the form of proxy and proxy statement disclosure requirements to specify clearly the applicable voting options and voting standards in all director elections. DATES: Comments should be received on or before January 9, 2017. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments Use the Commission's Internet comment form ( http://www.sec.gov/​rules/​proposed.shtml ); Send an email to rule-comments@sec.gov . Please include File Number S7-24-16 on the subject line; or Use the Federal eRulemaking Portal ( http://www.regulations.gov ). Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Paper Comments Send paper comments to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 …