Existing Law Independent report on poll Section 342: Members’ power to require independent report on poll
590.This section gives members of a quoted company the right to require an independent report of any poll taken, or to be taken, at a general meeting. The minimum threshold required for the demand is the same as that for requiring the circulation of a resolution – that is members holding 5% of the voting rights or 100 members holding on average £100 of paid-up capital. The members’ request must be made within one week of the meeting where the poll is taken. This allows members to decide after a poll is taken whether they wish to require an independent report, for example on a controversial resolution or where there appears to be a problem relating to voting procedures. Members may make their request in advance of the meeting if they wish, but unless the company’s articles already require all votes to be taken on a poll, members may need to take steps to ensure that a poll is called.