Abstract

This proposal introduces the Wormhole Governance Proposal Process.

The proposal will go to an onchain vote for ratification on May 23, 2025 using Tally, powered by MultiGov. Ratification will require reaching quorum which is set to 350M W tokens at initiation of Wormhole Governance.

Wormhole Governance Proposal Process

Steps Employed in the Proposal Process

1. Idea Development

• Purpose: The initial phase allows community members to brainstorm, refine, and discuss ideas informally. It is very important that conversations are stimulated to introduce participation and minimize pushback during the later stages of the proposal life cycle.

2. Draft Proposal Submission

• Proposals are required to include:
  • Title and clear objective.
  • Lead author and any co-authors.
  • Problem statement and proposed solution.
  • Technical or resource details.
  • Expected outcomes and KPIs.
• Proposals lacking detail may remain in the forum for idea refinement. The Governance material should emphasize the importance of completeness and clarity before advancing to later stages.

3. Community Comment Period

• Timeline: This period will last a minimum 5 days during which community members provide feedback, raise concerns, and suggest improvements.
• Platform: Comments are posted on the Wormhole Governance forum thread with sections for questions, concerns, and endorsements.

4. Temperature Check Phase

• Process: Proposals advancing to this phase undergo an off-chain vote using Snapshot.
• Thresholds: The quorum is set to 115M W tokens at initiation of Wormhole Governance.
• Timeline: The Temperature Check off-chain vote will run for 3 days.

5. Final Proposal Submission

• Upon successful completion of the Signaling Phase off-chain vote, formal proposals will be published to the forum. This proposal should be the final draft and should reflect any changes to the original proposal.
• Timeline: This stage will allow for a minimum 3 days for community members to complete final review and discussion before the final vote stage.
• Requirements: Proposals must include:
  • Title and clear objective.
  • Problem statement and proposed solution.
  • Technical or resource details.
  • Expected outcomes and KPIs.

6. Voting Phase

• Process: Proposals advancing to this phase undergo an onchain vote using Tally, powered by MultiGov.
• Thresholds: The quorum is set to 350M W tokens and the proposal threshold is set to 1M W tokens at initiation of Wormhole Governance.
• Timeline: The Voting Phase is comprised of the following periods:
  • The voting delay is 2 days, to provide token holders with time to move their tokens and delegate their voting power in advance of the vote.
  • The voting period is 5 days.

7. Implementation and Monitoring

• Execution: Approved proposals proceed to implementation. There is a timelock delay of 4 days for approved proposals.
• Please note that proposals with onchain execution will not be accepted.

Timeline Between Phases

• Idea Development: Ongoing and unstructured.
• Draft Submission: It is encouraged that all ideas spend the necessary time in the Idea Development phase before drafts are submitted, but this is not a necessity.
• Community Comment Period: minimum 5 days.
• Signaling Phase: 3 days
• Final Proposal Submission: 3 days
• Voting Phase: 7 days
• Timelock Execution Delay: 4 days
• Implementation: Dependent on the proposal’s specifics.

Veto and Resubmission Policy

• Reasons for Veto:
  • Legal non-compliance (determined by the Foundation).
• Resubmission:
  • Vetoed proposals may be resubmitted after a 30-day cooldown, provided they address the reasons for rejection.
  • No additional review mechanisms are planned for repeatedly vetoed proposals.