The main benefit is that independent candidates get greater exposure for their ideas and interests, at a much lower cost to the candidates. Independent candidates may face thousands of dollars in expenses for printing and mailing costs to run for the board if they run their own proxy campaign. The Independent Inspectors of Election and Voting determine the validity of proxies, according to the proxy verification rules. You can meet with the Independent Inspectors of Election and Voting and review your proxies that have been found invalid, and contest the decision if you so desire. Each shareholder's votes will be cast as directed by that shareholder.
Native shareholders have voting shares.
This means they can vote. They are not entitled to vote. Proxy holders are important to all corporations that have many shareholders. It usually is impossible for all shareholders to vote in person at a meeting. If you sign a proxy card, you assign your right to vote to one or more persons listed on the card as proxy holders.