CAIVP is a non-profit C4 organization dedicated to the independent-minded voter regardless of their political party affiliation or preference. CAIVP was founded in 2006 as an effort to engage non-partisan voters in California’s policymaking process. CAIVP has focused on ensuring that non-partisan – Decline-to-State (DTS) – voters know their rights under California's complex primary laws which allow them to vote in most partisan primaries only upon requesting a "Party"- Democrat or Republican - ballot. By educating voters about the steps needed to participate in primary elections, CAIVP has successfully increased DTS turnout in several recent elections. After three years of intense research, CAIVP drafted the Top Two Open Primary plan which will be on the June 2010 Ballot in California.

Mission

CAIVP acts as an idea factory, described by its Chairman as a “public policy venture capital fund”, providing research from experts, analysts, and journalists of all ideologies, philosophies, and political affiliations on local, state, and federal issues affecting California. CAIVP encourages discussion, debate, and deliberation of public policy. Our aim is to raise awareness of important issues, engage our public officials, and elevate the political discourse. CAIVP is committed to the principle that representative government functions best when the public is engaged and representatives are held accountable to the broadest possible electorate.

CAIVN.org (The California Independent Voter Network)

CAIVN.org is a publication of CAIVP. Beyond a requirement for civility, CAIVP does not dictate the content of CAIVN.org. The Network’s goal is to seek to improve public dialogue by providing independent information, presenting various viewpoints, and encouraging thoughtful discussion. We will respect the importance of dissenting opinions. We will only bring information, options, and ideas to the public in a non-partisan and unbiased manner. We will always be honest and open to criticism.

Co-Chairmen/Funding

Steve Peace, former California Democratic Legislator

Jeff Marston, former California Republican Legislator

CAIVP received its seed funding in 2006 in a grant by John Moores. It has since continued operations thanks to the contributions of individuals, business and labor organizations, and online advertising.