The NYSE and the SEC have rules that require the brokers to delivery proxy materials to the stockholders.

FORBES: 'No-Vote Broker Rule' To Shake Up Street

In late 2009 the Securities and Exchange Commission expanded its proxy disclosure rules.

FORBES

Mr. Einhorn's lawsuit, filed in the federal court in Manhattan, argues that the very formulation of Apple's proxy statement violates Securities and Exchange Commission rules that allow shareholders to vote on "each matter" in the proposals.

WSJ: Einhorn Sues Apple Over Preferred Stock Plan

New rules proposed by the SEC would make proxy battles easier for investors who want to install their own board members.

FORBES: Magazine Article

As a result of a 2011 court ruling that overturned Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules mandating universal proxy access, the Business Roundtable and the national Chamber of Commerce prevailed in their mistaken defence of corporations.

FORBES: Shareholders on the Rampage at Your Annual Meeting: U.S. Proxy Season Foresight

Their hard-won victories placed executive compensation and stock options under greater scrutiny and led to modest changes in proxy rules and voting procedures that empowered shareholders at the expense of officers and directors.

FORBES: SEC's Political Disclosure Proposal Will Improve Corporate Governance

Vanguard says its own new proxy voting standards, not new SEC rules, are behind the change.

FORBES: Let the Sun Shine