Snapshot X and Starknet Launch Gas-Free Onchain Voting
Starknet – Blockchain protocols and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAO) argue that onchain activities should be the norm for true decentralization. Yet, the vast majority of governance voting still takes place offchain, relying on Web2 infrastructure. This contradiction has been a sticking point for many in the Web3 space, including those at Starknet (STRK), where I had hoped for onchain voting from day one. Unfortunately, high gas fees and technical limitations have made it impractical—until now.
Offchain Voting: The Necessary Tradeoff
For many DAOs, the tradeoff has been clear: host votes offchain to reduce costs and include more participants, or stick to decentralization principles and watch voter participation dwindle due to prohibitive gas fees. Paying for the right to vote isn’t the decentralized future we envisioned. Voting should be a fundamental right in Web3 governance, allowing everyone to have a say in important decisions. However, onchain voting has been hampered by high costs, with gas fees discouraging many from participating.
Imagine paying a $10 fee just to vote in a national election. The result would be low voter turnout, similar to the barriers we face in blockchain governance. The easy way out has been offchain governance, nearly free and customizable but reliant on trusted third parties. It’s a compromise we’ve been forced to accept.
Starknet and Snapshot X: A New Era of Onchain Voting
At Starknet, we plan to correct this on September 10 with a vote facilitated by Snapshot X, a platform that has predominantly hosted offchain DAO voting. Snapshot X is now bringing onchain voting to the forefront, offering a seamless and gas-free experience. Built on Starknet, this voting protocol allows users to participate without the burden of high fees.
While this may seem like a small step, it represents a significant advancement in blockchain governance. It addresses a critical challenge—removing the financial barrier to participation in decentralized voting systems. The move highlights the potential of blockchain to offer transparent, decentralized governance without sacrificing inclusivity.
The Flaws of Offchain Voting
In traditional offchain voting, votes are counted based on the number of tokens each participant holds. While this gives token holders a proportional say, it still relies on third-party systems that operate outside the blockchain’s security and transparency layers. Onchain voting, on the other hand, enshrines voting directly in the protocol, ensuring that every vote is counted without intermediaries. This is the essence of Web3 democracy—pure, decentralized decision-making where tokens serve a true governance function, not just as tradable assets.
Blockchain Governance: The Path Forward
Onchain voting is not a perfect solution. There will always be activism and cases where a small group can push through a proposal despite broad opposition. However, the shift to onchain voting is crucial in proving that blockchain governance can align with decentralization principles. It also demonstrates that tokens have intrinsic value beyond their market price by giving holders direct, onchain participation in decision-making processes.
As StarkWare co-founder, I believe that onchain voting is about more than just blockchain culture; it’s about proving the potential of blockchain as a tool for wider societal use. The same transparency and immutability that make blockchain appealing for governance could solve real-world voting issues, like the inefficiencies in shareholder voting or the lack of transparency in traditional electronic voting systems.
A Vision for the Future: Onchain Voting Beyond Web3
Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize voting systems beyond the crypto space. Imagine if shareholder votes or national elections could be facilitated through a verifiable, user-friendly blockchain system. It would eliminate concerns about vote tampering, and every voter could see their vote recorded immutably on a public ledger.
While we’re not yet ready for nationwide onchain voting, this technology lays the groundwork for a more transparent and democratic future. The first step is proving that Web3 governance can deliver on its promises, and Starknet’s next vote is a part of this journey.
FAQ for Onchain Voting on Starknet with Snapshot X
What is onchain voting?
Onchain voting refers to casting votes directly on a blockchain, where each vote is recorded as a transaction. This method ensures transparency, immutability, and removes the need for third-party intermediaries, allowing for true decentralized governance.
What problem does onchain voting solve?
Onchain voting eliminates the need for centralized, offchain voting systems that rely on third parties and often exclude participants due to high gas fees. By bringing voting onchain, it ensures transparency and reduces costs, allowing for broader participation in decentralized governance.
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