Who has the right to vote shares without needing a written proxy?

The correct choice is based on the understanding of the rights that come with ownership and management of shares in a corporation, particularly in the context of estates and shares held therein. A stockholder's rights typically include the ability to vote on corporate matters, which can extend to their representatives in certain circumstances.

In this case, the executor of an estate has the legal authority to manage the deceased person's assets, which includes voting the shares owned by the deceased. The executor is often appointed by a will or by a court to administer the estate. This role grants them the authority to act on behalf of the estate, including exercising voting rights associated with the shares, without the need for a written proxy because they are acting in their official capacity representing the estate.

The other options involve parties that do not inherently have voting rights tied to shares. A pledgee, who has a security interest in the shares, and a mortgagee, who has a claim due to a loan against them, do not possess direct rights to vote the shares unless specific arrangements are made. Similarly, while a stockholder in a voting trust agreement may have a defined right to vote, the ability to do so without a proxy is dependent on the terms established in the voting trust arrangement and may not simplify