The rights of shareholders depend largely on provisions in a corporation's charter and by-laws. These are the first documents which a shareholder should consult when determining his or her rights in a corporation. Shareholders also generally enjoy the following types of rights:

Voting rights on issues that affect the corporation as a whole

Rights related to the assets of the corporation

Rights related to the transfer of stock

Rights to receive dividends as declared by the board of directors of the corporation

Rights to inspect the records and books of the corporation

Rights to bring suit against the corporation for wrongful acts by the directors and officers of the corporation

Rights to share in the proceeds recovered when the corporation liquidates its assets

How important are voting rights to you - as a shareholder for a corporation? Please explain