The link of the following proposal is even available on Reddit at this link : https://www.reddit.com/r/Conflux_Network/comments/1k8d6o2/why_conflux_voting_needs_a_fairer_system/
In blockchain ecosystems like Conflux, voting systems often rely on a simple rule: the more tokens you hold, the more voting power you have. While this model seems straightforward, it introduces a major flaw: wealth equals influence. This concentration of power can create a governance system that favors a few large holders, while the voices of smaller participants are drowned out.
To build a truly decentralized and community-driven governance model, we need to rethink how voting power is distributed. Two key solutions can help: Quadratic Voting and Weight Caps.
The Problem: Voting Power Concentration
Currently, in token-based voting systems, 1 token equals 1 vote.
This leads to:
A few rich holders having outsized influence.
Smaller token holders feeling discouraged or powerless.
Centralization of decision-making, which is the opposite of blockchain’s core values.
Without mechanisms to balance voting power, the governance system becomes plutocratic, not democratic.
Solution 1: Quadratic Voting
Quadratic Voting is a mathematical model designed to amplify minority voices and dilute the dominance of whales (large token holders).
How it works:
The cost of votes grows quadratically with the number of votes you cast.
Formula: Cost = (Number of votes)² tokens
Example:
Votes Desired | Tokens Needed
1 vote | 1 token
2 votes | 4 tokens
3 votes | 9 tokens
10 votes | 100 tokens
This way:
Small holders can meaningfully participate without being overshadowed.
Large holders pay exponentially more to exert additional influence.
Quadratic Voting doesn’t eliminate the advantage of having more tokens, but it makes it much more costly to dominate decisions.
Solution 2: Weight Caps
Weight Caps set a maximum limit on how much influence a single wallet (or identity) can have in a vote.
How it works:
Example: No wallet can control more than 5% of the total voting power.
Even if someone owns 50% of all tokens, their influence in any single vote would be capped.
This mechanism prevents:
"Voting monopolies" where one entity controls governance.
Sybil attacks (to some extent) by enforcing maximums per verified participant.
Combined with Quadratic Voting, Weight Caps can create a much healthier, more inclusive governance environment.
The Ideal Model for Conflux Governance
By combining Quadratic Voting and Weight Caps, Conflux could implement a voting system that:
Rewards token ownership but prevents wealth concentration from dominating decisions.
Encourages broad participation from all community members.
Strengthens decentralization and fairness, preserving the network’s integrity.
In short: it’s not about taking power away from large holders it’s about making the system fairer for everyone.
Conclusion
Conflux is a rapidly growing ecosystem that thrives on innovation, fairness, and decentralization.
To stay true to these principles, it’s essential to rethink how voting works.
Quadratic Voting and Weight Caps offer a powerful, elegant solution that balances influence, encourages participation, and protects the long-term health of the network.
It’s time for Conflux governance to evolve, not just to reflect who holds tokens, but to truly represent its community.