Glossary · Governance

DRep.

A Delegated Representative who casts votes on governance actions on behalf of ada holders.

Think of it as

Your voting proxy. They cast votes on protocol changes, weighted by all the ada delegated to them.

In depth

Under CIP-1694, ada holders can delegate their voting power to a DRep, register as one themselves, or pick a pre-defined option ("abstain" or "no confidence"). DReps vote on governance actions; their voting power equals the total stake delegated to them.

Example

You delegate your vote to DRep "alice"; whenever a governance action is open, Alice’s recorded vote is weighted by your stake plus all her other delegators.

Next on this path

  1. Voting procedure The on-chain record of a single vote cast by a DRep, SPO, or the Constitutional Committee.
  2. Governance action A formal on-chain proposal that, if ratified, changes protocol parameters, the constitution, or the treasury.