Do you own Costco or Apple stock? Here's how to vote on Anti-DEI proposals

Owning Stock Is More Than an Investment—It’s a Responsibility

Jan 16, 2025

If you own Costco or Apple stock, congratulations—you’re not just an investor; you’re a decision-maker. That small (or large) slice of ownership gives you voting power to influence the direction of two of the world’s biggest companies. And right now, that power matters more than ever.

Both Costco and Apple have Anti-DEI proposals on the table, and both sets of Board of Directors are pushing back and recommending shareholders vote against the proposals.

“Our Board has considered this proposal and believes that our commitment to an enterprise rooted in respect and inclusion is appropriate and necessary.”

— Board of Directors, Costco Wholesale

As a shareholder, this isn’t just about financial gains; your vote could shape how these companies show up for equity, inclusion, and underrepresented communities. And the more we own, and the more we show up to vote, the louder our voice becomes.

Here’s what you need to know to cast your vote:

COSTCO

Vote BEFORE or DURING the Virtual Costco Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Thursday, January 23, 2025, 5p ET/2p PT

How to Vote:

Before the Meeting:
- Online: www.proxyvote.com.
- Call: 1-800-690-6903.
- Mail: Send your completed proxy card.
- Scan: Use the QR code on your proxy card.

*You MUST have your 16-Digit Control Number to vote!

Brokerage App: E.g. Robinhood App (Check Your Email)
- It will direct you to the list of proposals and from there you can vote FOR, AGAINST, or ABSTAIN.
- Your 16-Digit Control Number is most likely not needed.
To attend, vote live, and submit questions during the Annual Meeting visit www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/COST2025

Source: Costco Proxy Statement

Disclaimer: You need to have held stock as of the close of business on the record date of November 15, 2024 to vote or submit questions while participating in the virtual annual meeting.

APPLE
The 2025 Annual Meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 11:00 A.M Eastern Time / 8:00 A.M. Pacific Time.

An excerpt re: DEI from Apple’s Proxy Statement

How to Vote:

Before the Meeting:
- Online: www.proxyvote.com.
- Phone: You may vote by proxy by calling the toll‑free number found on your Notice of Internet Availability, voting instruction form, or proxy card. The availability of phone voting may depend on the voting procedures of the organization that holds your shares.
- Mail: If you request printed copies of the proxy materials by mail, you will receive a proxy card or voting instruction form, and you may vote by proxy by filling out the card or form and returning it in the envelope provided.

*You MUST have your 16-Digit Control Number to vote!

Brokerage App: E.g. Robinhood App (Check Your Email)
- It will direct you to the list of proposals and from there you can vote FOR, AGAINST, or ABSTAIN.
- Your 16-Digit Control Number is most likely not needed.
To attend, vote live, and submit questions during the Annual Meeting visit https://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/AAPL2025

Source: Apple Proxy Statement

*How to Find Your 16-Digit Control Number:

Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials Sent to shareholders via email or mail, depending on their communication preferences.
Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form Included in the packet of materials mailed to shareholders.
Broker Statement or Online Account If shares are held through a brokerage account, the control number may be included in the proxy materials provided by the broker.

This control number is essential for voting or submitting questions during the annual meetings.

Pay attention to language and board recommendations, to ensure you submit the correct vote.

The Big Picture
Apple and Costco aren’t the only ones with DEI on the shareholder meeting agendas, so pay attention to the stock you own and upcoming shareholder meetings. According to sources on LinkedIn, the following is a more complete list: