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Direct nominating and voting on open gov explained

Direct Nominating and Voting on Proposals | What You Need to Know About OpenGov

By

Sophia Turner

Jun 9, 2025, 02:33 AM

Edited By

Emily Nguyen

3 minutes to read

A graphic showing people voting with staked DOTs on OpenGov, discussing unstaking and voting weights.

A growing number of people involved in the crypto space raise questions about voting on proposals using DOTs while directly nominating. Recent discussions explore whether one needs to unstake their DOT to participate in voting, along with implications for earning rewards.

The Basics of Voting with Direct Nominating

Recent user interactions highlight a common concern: Do I need to unstake my tokens to vote? Many are relieved to know that there's no need to unstake. Voting can happen directly with DOTs that are already staked, allowing people to maintain their staking without losing rewards. One commenter emphasized, "You can vote with DOT that is being staked. Yes, you continue to earn rewards."

Understanding Conviction and Rewards

When it comes to the weight of votes, it's possible to give your vote a multiplier based on the number of days you're willing to lock it up. The range is from x0.1 to x6. Interestingly, many are curious about whether rewards will still accrue while the tokens are locked. Responses confirm that even during this lock period, rewards will still be earned, keeping stakers engaged in the process.

"Yes, you still earn rewards no matter what conviction you vote with," a seasoned participant noted, shedding light on the system's designed incentives.

Clarifying Lock-up Periods

Many users are still trying to understand how the lock-up period for conviction affects their ability to unstake. One direct question raised was, "If it's 120 days, does it mean I can't unstake for 120 days?" The consensus among community members is clear: during this duration, rewards can accumulate, incentivizing participation and engagement.

Key Takeaways

  • Voting without Unstaking: Voting can be done with DOTs currently staked, and users continue to earn rewards.

  • Weight Matters: The weight of votes can vary from x0.1 to x6, depending on locked duration, with ongoing rewards.

  • Lock Period Clarifications: While locked for conviction, users can still earn rewards and must understand the restrictions on unstaking.

In summary, the dynamics of direct nominating and voting reveal a responsive structure aimed at encouraging active participation in governance while ensuring users maintain their staking benefits.

For more on how to get involved in governance decisions in the crypto arena, visit OpenGov for detailed insights.

Forecasting the Path Ahead

There’s a strong chance that participation in governance through direct nominating and voting will increase as more people understand the benefits of earning rewards without unstaking their tokens. Experts estimate around a 25% rise in active participants over the next six months as clarity on lock-up periods and vote weight becomes widespread. This momentum could lead to a more robust decision-making process within the crypto community, enhancing overall engagement and potentially driving up the value of DOTs due to heightened interest in governance. As the landscape evolves, adapting systems to better serve participants may emerge as a priority for developers, revolutionizing user interaction.

A Historical Lens on Participation

Reflecting on the development of direct democracy in ancient Athens offers an interesting lens through which to view the rise of direct nominating and voting in crypto. In Athens, citizens engaged directly in decision-making, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability among the populace. This model, albeit primitive, centered on the importance of participation and the potential rewards of civic engagement, not unlike how current stakers find value in governance votes. The similarities between a decentralized governance model in modern crypto and the participatory spirit of ancient city-states highlight the enduring human quest for empowerment through community decision-making.