The Exchange Act of $1934$ and associated rules govern shareholder proxy voting for public companies. Which of the following is the best description of a $$proxy$?$

A shareholder$$s instruction and authorization to vote on an issuer$$s corporate matter

A customer$$s authorization to allow a broker$-$dealer to trade in the shareholder$$s account at the broker$-$dealer$$s discretion

A customer$$s authorization to an investment adviser to use its best judgement as to whether to accept a tender offer

An issuer$$s direction to list it$$s shares on a stock exchange.