Ordinary shares are voting by default. Preferred shares typically do not carry voting rights — instead, their owners receive priority in receiving fixed or minimum dividend payments.
However, preferred shares may temporarily become voting. A classic case is when dividends owed to them are not paid or only partially paid: their owners then gain voting rights until payment is made. Additionally, on matters directly affecting the rights of preferred shareholders, they vote regardless of the current dividend situation.
This distinction is important when calculating shareholdings. Control or blocking thresholds are calculated based on the number of voting shares, not total capital, so one shareholder's share in capital and share in votes may not coincide. The specific grounds for acquiring voting rights are established by law and the company's charter.