How we work
Editorial Standards and Practices
IVN is committed to accurate, transparent, and independent journalism from across the political spectrum that helps readers understand the political systems shaping American elections.
Our editorial mission is grounded in the belief that every voter deserves meaningful participation in the political process, regardless of party affiliation. It is why IVN is first and foremost an open platform for independent-minded readers and authors.
That mission informs the issues we cover, but it does not determine the facts we report. We hold ourselves and our contributors to the following editorial standards.
Editorial Etiquette
These four rules apply to every contributor, every article, and every comment on IVN. They are what let people who disagree sharply still share the same platform.
- No personal attacks. Argue with the idea, not the person.
- No partisan attacks. Criticize a policy, a record, or an argument, not someone's party.
- Substantiate your claims. State it as fact, back it up. Be clear when you are offering opinion.
- No self-promotion. Write to inform the reader, not to sell a product, a service, or yourself.
The rules, with examples of what they mean in practice, are on the IVN Etiquette page.
Substantiate Claims
Anyone who submits an article, even an opinion piece, must substantiate claims they make. Articles are reviewed for factual accuracy, clarity, sourcing, and consistency with our editorial standards before publication.
All linked sources must be included in the body of the article when it is submitted for review. Footnotes are not accepted.
We prioritize primary sources whenever possible, including election data, government records, legislation, court documents, public statements, and original research. When relying on secondary reporting, we seek credible, identifiable sources and provide attribution.
Polling data, election statistics, and other quantitative claims should include relevant context, including methodology and limitations. We distinguish established facts from allegations, interpretations, predictions, and opinions.
We do not knowingly publish false or misleading information.
Voices Across the Spectrum
IVN publishes original news reporting, policy analysis, explainers, and opinion commentary from left, right, and independent contributors.
Our news reporting focuses on verifiable facts, relevant context, and information that helps readers understand the issues.
Our analysis examines the implications of political developments, election rules, and public policies. It may draw conclusions supported by evidence, while distinguishing interpretation from established fact.
Opinion and commentary provide space for independent-minded writers to advance arguments, challenge assumptions, and offer competing perspectives with each other and our publishers.
These contributions must still comply with IVN's etiquette and standards for factual accuracy, sourcing, and editorial conduct.
Editorial Review and Contributor Standards
We understand that not everyone who submits content to IVN writes in a journalistic style (AP or otherwise). We encourage authors to express their own voice in a clear and concise manner.
Editors review for accuracy, consistency, and can assist with formatting and style. IVN reserves discretion over editorial decisions and choice in headlines.
Contributors are expected to substantiate factual claims, disclose relevant conflicts of interest, and engage with opposing perspectives in good faith.
Our etiquette prohibits personal attacks, partisan attacks, undisclosed self-promotion, unsupported allegations, and sweeping generalizations about political groups or voters.
We welcome disagreement, including criticism of positions taken by IVN contributors or our publishing organizations. Editorial decisions are based on the quality, relevance, and integrity of the submission, not whether its conclusions align with a particular political position or ideology.
IVN does not publish candidate endorsements, campaign press releases presented as independent reporting, plagiarized material, or content that misrepresents authorship.
Transparency and Conflicts of Interest
IVN expects contributors to disclose affiliations, financial relationships, or other interests that could reasonably affect how readers evaluate their work.
Many of our contributors have professional experience in politics, public policy, journalism, election administration, and reform advocacy. That experience can provide valuable insight, but readers should have appropriate context to assess their perspectives.
Sponsorships, financial support, and organizational relationships do not exempt any contributor or subject from editorial scrutiny. Our Ethics Policy sets out how we keep funders, advertisers, and contributors' interests apart from our journalism.
Corrections and Accountability
Readers, contributors, and individuals mentioned in our coverage are encouraged to bring potential errors to our attention. Our editors review correction requests and determine whether clarification, correction, or additional reporting is warranted.
Email editor@ivn.us. Requests are typically reviewed within 24 to 48 hours. When we correct a material error, we append and date the correction rather than quietly changing the piece. The full process is on our Corrections Policy page.
Our responsibility is to the accuracy of the public record, not to protect any particular political narrative.