ISS has updated its frequently asked questions on U.S. Proxy Voting Research Procedures & Policies (Excluding Compensation-Related). New and updated questions include:

• When are ISS’s proxy reports issued?
• How and when will ISS change a vote recommendation in a proxy alert?
• How can a company request engagement with the U.S. research analysts?
• When is the best time to request an engagement?
• What topics are generally discussed in engagements regarding non-contentious meetings?
• Is there a blackout period for engagement with research?
• What exceptions to the attendance policy apply in the case of a newly-appointed director?
• Proxy access proposals: How will ISS evaluate a Board’s implementation of proxy access in response to a majority-supported shareholder proposal?
• How will ISS apply the new 2018 policy whose previously-grandfathered poison pills will be expiring shortly?
• How do companies terminate poison pills prior to the expiration date?
• Does ISS still consider deadhand or slowhand provisions problematic?
• What if a company adopts a poison before the company goes public?
• Removal of Shareholder Discretion on Classified Boards
• Which types of charter/bylaw adoptions are likely to result in continued adverse voting recommendations?
• What is the purpose of the Governance Failures Policy?