Built for the community
by the community
Cardano is developing the most secure and decentralized governance model in the world. A model to give everybody a voice, and control over the future development of the platform and the applications and services that emerge from it.
Governance Within Cardano
Cardano is defined by its community. Its governance model shows that true democracy - in which individuals are incentivized to play a role and votes are immutably recorded - is possible. It is a way for token holders to decide the future of a platform, and for the community to dictate the use of Cardano’s treasury funds.
This model and the pioneering technology that underpins it can be applied to any application, system, or even society. It is a blueprint for change that is decided by the many, as well as the few, and which will redistribute power, eliminating intermediaries, to improve the lives of all.
Change begins with one voice. But is realized through the Combination of many.
Delegate your voting power
Delegation is the act of lending your voting power—equal to the ada balance in your wallet—to a Delegate Representative (DRep), who votes on your behalf like a parliamentary representative. Alternatively, you can use automatic voting options to abstain or signal “No Confidence” in all proposals.
Become a DRep on Cardano
DReps are key participants in governing the Cardano network. They actively engage in governance and represent other Cardano members. DReps must stay informed on governance actions to make wise decisions.
If you have the time and commitment to contribute to Cardano’s governance, register as a DRep. A refundable deposit of 500 ada is required and will be returned upon retirement.
View Governance Actions on Cardano
Stay informed and participate in Cardano’s decentralized governance. View all on-chain actions, including those recently submitted, ratified, enacted, expired, or dropped. Engage with ongoing proposals, track their progress, and understand their impact on the network. Your involvement helps shape the future of Cardano. Click below to see all current and past governance actions and make your voice heard.
A Model To Marginalize None,
And Give Power To All.
Our current systems do not work for everyone. A better, more positive future is possible. If the world is to serve the many, it must be agreed to by the many. Consensus must drive progress and where disagreement occurs, it must drive creative solutions.
Why Voltaire
Decentralization begins with the technology - with Shelley - but is only truly achieved when no single entity is in control. The governing principle of decentralization is the redistribution of control: global networks that are defined not from the middle, but by every participant. This is the purpose of Voltaire.
Voltaire adds the ability for the Cardano community to make impactful decisions about software updates, technical improvements and funding decisions. Known as Governance Actions, these allow the future of Cardano to be determined by its community and funded from the platform's treasury.
The era will also play host to a series of experiments, as we discuss topics such as decentralised governance, the dynamics of democracy and consent, evolving Voltaire from research to reality. If Shelley was the foundation of a globally coordinated network without a central authority, then Voltaire will explore the apparatus for shared decision making: the language of decentralization.