Notwithstanding the preceding requirements, in the event an Employee becomes eligible to participate during the Plan Year in accordance with [Section 3.1(c)] above, such Eligible Employee may make an irrevocable Salary Deferral election within 30 days from the date of eligibility with respect to any Salary earned after such election. For purposes of clarity, and without limitation, the Company may prescribe a “negative” election for Salary Deferrals, meaning that it may impose an automatic Salary Deferral election, provided the Eligible Employee has an opportunity during the election period to affirmatively change such election.

Notwithstanding the preceding requirements, in the eventFor Plan Years commencing after 2005, an Employee becomes eligible to participate during the Plan Year in accordance with [Section 3.1(c)] above, such Eligible Employee may make an irrevocable Salary Deferral election within 30 days fromat the datetime and in the form prescribed by the Company, but in no event later than December 31 of eligibility with respect to any Salary earned afterthe year preceding a given Plan Year (or such election. For purposes of clarity, and without limitation,earlier time as provided by the Company may prescribe a “negative” election for Salary Deferrals, meaning that it may impose an automatic Salary Deferral election, provided the Eligible Employee has an opportunity during the election period to affirmatively change such election.Company).