Delegation allows token holders to assign voting power to a representative while retaining ownership of their assets. It can convert widespread but passive token ownership into informed participation. It can also concentrate authority in a small delegate class. Strong delegation systems make representation visible, revocable, and accountable.
The delegation relationship
A holder chooses a delegate, the governance contract records that assignment, and future proposal snapshots attribute voting power to the delegate. The precise timing matters: a change after a snapshot may not affect the active proposal. Some frameworks require self-delegation before a holder can vote directly.
Delegation should be understood as a mandate, not a transfer of custody. Holders need a clear way to re-delegate, see when the change becomes effective, and review how their representative has voted.
What delegate profiles should show
- Priorities and stated governance principles.
- Areas of technical, risk, treasury, or community expertise.
- Voting record and public rationales.
- Proposal authorship and forum participation.
- Employment, investments, grants, and other conflicts.
- Availability, communication channels, and compensation.
Accountability signals
Attendance is easy to count but incomplete. Evaluate whether delegates explain difficult votes, disclose conflicts, correct errors, and contribute before the ballot opens. A representative who votes on every proposal without analysis may be less useful than a specialist who engages deeply where relevant.
Concentration metrics belong beside performance metrics. Track the share of active power held by the largest delegates, the coalition needed for quorum, and whether smaller delegates are gaining or losing support.
Compensation without entrenchment
Delegate work can justify compensation, especially when research and public communication are expected. Programs should publish eligibility, evaluation periods, review criteria, conflicts, and removal rules. Avoid formulas that reward volume alone. Multiple dimensions and transparent human review are preferable to a single opaque score.
A holder’s review cycle
Choose
Compare alignment, competence, behavior, and conflicts.
Observe
Follow rationales, participation, proposal work, and new affiliations.
Reassess
Review after major votes, role changes, or long periods of inactivity.
Move power
Re-delegate when representation no longer matches the mandate.
Read the complete guide to designing vote delegation and the analytics framework for measuring participation and power.