> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://drepchain.gitbook.io/toolkit/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://drepchain.gitbook.io/toolkit/~/revisions/vgDmV3fhoBp9s3FkKyk0/start-your-drep-journey/quickstart/editor/on-chain-voting.md).

# On-chain Voting

The on-chain voting process allows votes from the 3 voting bodies: DReps, SPOs, and CC on governance actions proposed by the community. 

This process of enforcing decision-making by delegated representatives of ada-holders and the other bodies is a necessary element of decentralised governance in Cardano. 

For every governance action (classified under the 7 action types) to become ratified, all on-chain votes must meet the required voting threshold. 

{% hint style="info" %}
On-chain voting can be performed through the Cardano CLI and through the Voltaire GovTool.
{% endhint %}

Since the current on-chain process accepts votes from the three (3) governing bodies, it's important to highlight the impact of vote delegation in Cardano’s Decentralised governance model.

Delegating voting power to any Delegated Representative (DRep) or voting directly on governance actions, all count as DRep votes. There are specific voting options that delegated representatives can exercise

* Yes
* No
* Abstain

<figure><img src="https://873835664-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnCAczjI3nhWFTtjRBnpA%2Fuploads%2FPwMkbEYwqOt3EnuQksKx%2FCleanShot%202025-11-05%20at%2014.32.13%402x.png?alt=media&amp;token=ace8d210-0312-4bf4-b1d6-88edc1d3a7f3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

An optional vote metadata, “context,” can be given by any of the voting bodies (DReps, SPOs and CC) when submitting their votes. This metadata adds a layer of information (rationale) for any vote decision made by any of the voting bodies.  &#x20;

* Vote&#x20;
* Provide optional vote context
* Metadata URL