The Problem
DAO governance today is rigid. Votes often go uncast because token holders delegate to inactive representatives, or forget to vote themselves.
Real Example: Optimism DAO
Single Delegate Only
Current systems only allow delegation to one address
The Solution: Ranked-Choice Delegation
Instead of delegating to a single address, token holders create a ranked list of trusted delegates. When they don't vote directly, their voting power cascades through the list until an active delegate is found.
How It Works
Token holder sets ranked delegate list: [Alice, Bob, Carol]
Proposal voting period begins
If token holder votes directly → use their vote
If not, check if Alice voted → if yes, use Alice's vote
If Alice didn't vote, check Bob → if yes, use Bob's vote
If Bob didn't vote, check Carol → if yes, use Carol's vote
If no delegates voted, mark as abstained
Ranked Lists
Define multiple delegation lists, use them between tokens.
Cascading Fallback
Voting power flows down the list to active participants
Higher Participation
Reduces uncast votes and inactive delegation
Try It Yourself
Experience ranked delegation in action with this interactive voting playground
🍨 Governance Proposal #42
“Which ice cream flavor should we choose for the party?”
Instructions: Select exactly 3 delegates in order of preference. Your vote will cascade to the first delegate who actually voted.
💡 Tip: It's often better to delegate to an undecided delegate than one whose preference you strongly dislike.