Delegated Voting
Web3 / social community
Delegated voting is a governance mechanism that allows token holders to transfer their voting power to trusted representatives or delegates without relinquishing ownership of their tokens. This system enables broad participation in decentralized decision-making while acknowledging that not all token holders have the time, expertise, or interest to evaluate every proposal. Delegates act as proxy voters, casting votes on behalf of their delegators according to agreed-upon principles or explicit instructions. This approach balances decentralization with practical governance efficiency, allowing communities to benefit from informed decision-making by specialized participants while maintaining democratic accountability. Example: Aave's governance system employs delegated voting, where AAVE token holders can delegate their voting power to community members, risk stewards, or governance participants who actively engage in protocol improvement discussions and voting on parameter changes. Why it matters for Web3 social and community: Delegated voting lowers barriers to governance participation by allowing passive token holders to influence decisions through trusted community members, strengthening community cohesion and reducing voter apathy in DAOs.
Explore the full Web3 Glossary — 2,062+ expert-curated definitions. Need guidance? Talk to our consultants.