Shareholder Sharing Inaccurate Information, Influencing Vote

[Guest Sarah W.]

It has come to our attention that information shared at the past couple of shareholder’s meetings have been inaccurate. One of our shareholders presented paperwork to us from a state office. The paperwork has handwritten notes on it as well. As a result, this information has largely influenced a majority of shareholders perception about the issue in question, and as a result, their vote has changed. After a few of us have inquired and obtained information from this office ourselves, we have come to the knowledge that the information is not accurate or correct, and we believe this was shared by the shareholder to influence a majority to vote a certain way. What is the best way to handle this situation according to Roberts Rules. Should we seek legal advice?

[Josh Martin]

On 4/26/2024 at 7:15 AM, Guest Sarah W. said:

It has come to our attention that information shared at the past couple of shareholder’s meetings have been inaccurate. One of our shareholders presented paperwork to us from a state office. The paperwork has handwritten notes on it as well. As a result, this information has largely influenced a majority of shareholders perception about the issue in question, and as a result, their vote has changed. After a few of us have inquired and obtained information from this office ourselves, we have come to the knowledge that the information is not accurate or correct, and we believe this was shared by the shareholder to influence a majority to vote a certain way. What is the best way to handle this situation according to Roberts Rules. Should we seek legal advice?

Yes, you should seek legal advice. This is not a Robert's Rules issue.

[Guest Sarah W.]

Thank you for your response 

[Dan Honemann]

On 4/26/2024 at 8:15 AM, Guest Sarah W. said:

It has come to our attention that information shared at the past couple of shareholder’s meetings have been inaccurate. One of our shareholders presented paperwork to us from a state office. The paperwork has handwritten notes on it as well. As a result, this information has largely influenced a majority of shareholders perception about the issue in question, and as a result, their vote has changed. After a few of us have inquired and obtained information from this office ourselves, we have come to the knowledge that the information is not accurate or correct, and we believe this was shared by the shareholder to influence a majority to vote a certain way. What is the best way to handle this situation according to Roberts Rules. Should we seek legal advice?

I agree with Mr. Martin that you should seek legal advice.

From a parliamentary law point of view, if a motion was adopted that you believe should not have been adopted it may well be that you can move to rescind it or amend it.  For this procedure, see RONR (12th ed.,) 35:1-13.  If a motion was rejected that you believe should not have been rejected, it may well be that you can simply move it again.  For this procedure see 38:1-9.