Who has the right to vote at a corporate meeting?

The correct answer is that only those who own shares on the record date have the right to vote at a corporate meeting. This is a critical principle in corporate governance, as it ensures that only individuals who have a verified ownership stake in the corporation at a specific time, known as the record date, are entitled to participate in decision-making processes.

The record date is set by the corporation to establish which shareholders are eligible to vote on matters such as electing directors, approving mergers, or other significant corporate actions. This timing is essential because it provides clarity and fairness regarding who can influence the company's direction, thus protecting the rights of those who have a vested interest.

Understanding this concept is fundamental, as it weeds out confusion regarding voting rights among shareholders. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate and timely records of share ownership. While any shareholder may have the right to vote, it is contingent upon their ownership status on the record date, not simply their status as shareholders in general or their number of shares.