What is the main difference between voting and non-voting shares?

The main difference between voting and non-voting shares lies in the right to participate in corporate governance through voting rights. Voting shares grant their holders the ability to cast votes on critical matters such as electing the board of directors, approving mergers, and making significant corporate decisions. This right to influence company operations and strategy is a defining feature that distinguishes voting shares from non-voting shares.

Non-voting shares, on the other hand, do not carry those rights, meaning holders typically cannot influence corporate governance directly. However, non-voting shares may still entitle holders to dividends and other financial benefits, but they lack the leverage in decision-making that voting shares provide. This distinction is fundamental in understanding shareholder roles within a corporation, as the influence a shareholder can exert is often tied directly to the possession of voting rights.