Guide for Applicants

Introduction

Welcome potential candidates! This guide provides essential information for those considering applying for a seat on the Constitutional Committee (CC). The CC plays a vital role in upholding the Cardano Constitution and guiding the evolution of its governance framework. Whether you are an individual Ada owner, part of a group, or representing a company, this guide outlines the eligibility requirements, the application process, the election mechanism, how to apply, and the key dates for the election cycle. We encourage all interested and eligible community members to consider this unique opportunity to contribute directly to Cardano's future.

Who Can Apply and How Election Works

The opportunity to help shape the future of Cardano's governance by serving on the Constitutional Committee is open to any Ada owner. Whether you hold a small amount or a large amount, you are eligible to put yourself forward as a candidate.

In this election, all seven seats are up for vote.

In response to community feedback and to maintain consistency with evolving governance procedures, the election to the Committee will be determined through a DRep-based voting system. This official change means that Delegated Representatives (DReps) will vote to select the members of the Constitutional Committee. The candidates who garner the most support from the DReps will be elected. DReps will be able to cast their votes using hot wallets, cold wallets, and the command-line interface (CLI).

As constitutionally mandated to ensure continuity, there are a total of seven (7) seats available on the Committee, with staggered term lengths for this election only. Three (3) of these seats are for a term of 146 epochs (approximately two years), and four (4) seats are for a term of 73 epochs (approximately one year). It is important for applicants to understand that by registering, they confirm their willingness and ability to serve for the longer term of up to 146 epochs, should they be elected to such a term through the selection process outlined below.

The assignment of these term lengths will be determined by the election results in the following manner:

• The candidate receiving the highest number of votes will have the first choice of selecting either a 146-epoch term or a 73-epoch term.

• The candidate with the second-highest number of votes will then make their selection from the remaining available term lengths.

• This process will continue sequentially for all seven elected candidates, based on their vote ranking from highest to lowest.

• If all terms of a particular length (e.g., all three 146-epoch terms) are selected before all candidates have chosen, the remaining elected candidates will automatically be assigned the other available term length until all seats are filled.

Optional Tasks to Demonstrate Capabilities

In addition to the main application requirements, candidates have the opportunity to undertake an optional three-step task. Completing this task allows applicants to demonstrate key skills relevant to the CC role: technical proficiency in credential management (Steps 1 & 2) and the analytical ability to evaluate governance actions within Cardano's framework (Step 3), all performed in the SanchoNet environment. The overall objective is to successfully generate cold credentials, authorize hot credentials using them, and then use the hot credentials to evaluate, vote on, and justify a position on a governance action on SanchoNet, submitting a URL to the required evidence.

​Read the full task descriptions here.​

What to Include in Your Application

The application form requires specific information to help voters understand your candidacy. Here’s what you’ll need to provide:

Common Requirements (All Applicants):

• Candidate Details: Candidate information including biography, contact details, relevant social media handles, a summary of your experience pertinent to the CC role, and a declaration of any potential conflicts of interest.

• Optional Candidate Video: An option to include a link to a video presenting yourself, your consortium, or your company's platform.

Specific Requirement (Consortia Applicants):

• Member Information: If applying as a consortium, there will be a dedicated field to provide specific information about each individual member contributing to the joint candidacy.

Verification and Profile Management:

• Optional Verification: The application includes optional fields allowing you to request a call with staff involved in the election process should you wish to verify your identity or in case you have any questions about the application.

• Post-Submission Edits and Deletion: You can edit your submitted application, including adding information for the optional tasks, by connecting the same wallet you used to sign up. Edits are permissible up until the voting period begins on June 10th. Once voting commences, no further edits to profiles will be allowed. You may also delete your profile at any time before the voting period begins by connecting the same wallet.

Who Can Apply: Individuals, Consortia, and Companies

Applications for the Constitutional Committee are welcome from various participants within the Cardano ecosystem. You can apply in one of three capacities:

• Individuals: Any eligible Ada holder applying in their personal capacity.

• Consortia: Groups of individuals or entities who choose to apply together as a single collective candidacy.

• Companies: Formal organizations or businesses that wish to participate and contribute to Cardano's governance via the Committee.

Election Timeline

Please take note of the following key dates for the Constitutional Committee election process:

• Registration Period: May 5th – May 31st

  • This is the window for prospective candidates (individuals, consortia, or companies) to submit their applications. Applications can be edited until voting starts June 10th.

• Voting Period: June 10th – July 1st

  • During this time, DReps will be able to cast their votes for their preferred candidates. No profile edits are allowed once voting begins.

• Results Announcement: July 5th

  • Audited results of the election, identifying the seven new Constitutional Committee members and their term lengths, will be announced. All voting data will be publicly available from voting close for anyone to self audit should they want to.

Serving on the Constitutional Committee is a significant opportunity to contribute directly to Cardano governance. We encourage all eligible Ada owners, consortia, and companies who are passionate about Cardano's principles and future direction to carefully review the requirements outlined in this guide and prepare their candidacy.

The registration period opens on May 5th. Prepare your application now and ensure it is submitted before the May 31st deadline. Remember, you can continue to refine your application, including completing optional tasks, until June 10th.