> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gnodi.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gnodi.io/documentation/the-constitution/article-ix-proposal-and-voting-procedures.md).

# Article IX: Proposal and Voting Procedures

**Section 1: Proposal Eligibility**

Any eligible Node Operator in good standing may submit a proposal, subject to the endorsement and\
submission requirements established in this Charter.

**Section 2: Endorsement Requirement**

A proposal must receive support from at least five (5) additional eligible Node Operators before formal submission, unless a different threshold applies to emergency proposals, technical proposals, or other proposal categories under an approved governance policy. Governance may additionally require the proposer to stake a specified amount of GNOD or node-equivalent value at the time of submission as a good-faith deposit (the “Proposal Stake”). The Proposal Stake shall be refunded upon passage of the proposal and completion of any applicable implementation oversight period, or upon voluntary withdrawal of the proposal prior to the opening of the voting period. If the Council of Guardians or an authorized governance body determines that a proposal is malicious, frivolous, spam, or materially disruptive, the Proposal Stake may be subject to partial or full forfeiture in accordance with the penalty schedule published in the applicable governance guidelines. The required Proposal Stake amount and forfeiture conditions shall be established and published by the Council of Guardians.

**Section 3: Proposal Contents**

Each proposal must include:\
• Title;\
• Proposer identity or governance identifier;\
• Supporting Node Operators;\
• Proposal category;\
• Clear statement of purpose;\
• Description of proposed action;\
• Implementation plan;\
• Timeline;\
• Technical impact, if any;\
• Treasury or resource requirements, if any;\
• Legal, compliance, or risk considerations, if known;\
• Requested approval threshold; and\
• Effective date if approved.

**Section 4: Publication**

A procedurally complete proposal shall be published through the Governance Portal for community\
review before voting begins, unless an emergency process applies.

**Section 5: Voting Period**

The voting period for a standard proposal shall be no fewer than seven (7) days and no more than twenty-one (21) days unless otherwise established by governance policy.

**Section 6: Quorum**

Unless otherwise provided in a governance policy, a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of total weighted active node votes must participate for a standard proposal vote to be valid.

**Section 7: Standard Approval Threshold**

A standard proposal shall pass if more than fifty and one-tenth percent (50.1%) of weighted votes cast are cast in favor, provided quorum is satisfied.

**Section 8: Constitutional Approval Threshold**

A constitutional amendment shall require approval by at least seventy-five percent (75%) of all eligible weighted votes, unless this Charter is amended to provide a different threshold.

**Section 9: Abstentions**

Abstentions may be recorded for transparency but shall not count as “Yes” or “No” votes unless a\
proposal or governance policy expressly provides otherwise.

**Section 10: Implementation**

Approved proposals shall be implemented by the authorized party identified in the proposal, Council\
directive, or governance record. Material deviations from an approved proposal require renewed\
governance authorization unless immediate action is necessary to preserve network security or legal\
compliance.

**Section 11: Failed Proposals**

A failed proposal may be revised and resubmitted after a thirty (30) day waiting period unless the\
Governance Portal or Council determines that the resubmitted proposal is materially different, time-\
sensitive, or otherwise permitted under governance policy.