Definition
Delegated voting is a governance process in which a token holder or member assigns their voting power to another participant, known as a delegate, who then casts votes on their behalf. It formalizes the transfer of voting rights without transferring ownership of the underlying tokens or membership, enabling representation within on-chain or off-chain governance systems.
In Simple Terms
Delegated voting is a way for someone with voting rights to let another trusted person vote for them, without giving up ownership of their tokens or membership. The delegate uses the combined voting power of everyone who chose them whenever a decision or proposal is put to a vote.
Context and Usage
Delegated voting is commonly referenced in discussions about decentralized governance, especially in token-based communities and DAOs. It is often associated with governance token structures and off-chain voting platforms that record who holds voting power and to whom it is delegated. The term appears in governance frameworks, protocol documentation, and community coordination discussions around representation and decision-making.