Questions,
answered.
The practical, legal and governance questions that define the category.
BASICS
What does IVRVP stand for?+
Issuer Voluntary Retail Voting Program, the term in Tesla’s September 2026 framework request. Earlier sources use Retail Voting Program, Voluntary Retail Voting Program, Voting Instruction Program and Standing Voting Instructions.
Is “IVRP” the same thing?+
It is commonly used as shorthand in conversation and search. IVRVP is the fuller formal acronym.
Is participation automatic?+
No. The documented frameworks require affirmative enrollment. Silence is not treated as an instruction.
Does enrollment transfer ownership?+
No. It concerns how eligible shares are voted, not their economic ownership.
LEGAL & GOVERNANCE
Did the SEC “approve” IVRVPs?+
Not through rulemaking. SEC staff said it would not recommend enforcement under specified rules if programs operate as represented.
Can every issuer rely on Tesla’s letter?+
The response says the position applies to issuers operating in the same manner. Different facts can require a different conclusion.
Why is board alignment controversial?+
Critics argue that a persistent management-aligned default strengthens incumbents. Issuers emphasize affirmative consent, continued disclosure, override and exit.
What did ExxonMobil shareholders say?+
A proposal seeking independent options received 23.5% support among votes cast for or against in May 2026.
What is the state-law issue?+
Validity and duration depend partly on the issuer’s incorporation law. Federal no-action letters do not independently resolve that question.
Can investment advisers participate?+
Eligibility differs by framework. Exxon excluded registered advisers exercising client voting authority; Tesla’s broader framework contemplates additional eligible populations.
MARKET & INFRASTRUCTURE
What is Broadridge’s role?+
It provides shareholder communications and vote-processing infrastructure and markets a Standing Voting Instructions service.
What is a Hub?+
A contemplated centralized interface where investors could manage standing instructions across participating issuers.
Is Vanguard Investor Choice an IVRVP?+
No. It is fund-level pass-through voting choice. It is adjacent evidence, but the legal and operational model differs.
Are funds covered?+
MFDF received separate relief for a Directed Voting Program for registered funds and BDCs, with fund-specific safeguards.
Who sees shareholder data?+
Program design uses banks, brokers and processing agents. Exxon’s materials state that sensitive information stays within the vote-processing agent’s system.
How many issuers have programs?+
This site currently tracks four public-company programs or frameworks plus adjacent fund and BDC implementations documented in public sources.