Definition ∞ Strategic voting is a voting strategy where an individual casts their ballot not based on their most preferred option, but on an option that is predicted to yield a better outcome considering the actions of other voters. In decentralized governance, this can involve voting for a less preferred proposal to prevent a worse outcome or to form strategic alliances. It acknowledges that individual votes can influence collective outcomes in complex ways. This approach is often considered when participation is voluntary or when vote counts are close.
Context ∞ Strategic voting is a critical consideration in the analysis of decentralized governance and consensus mechanisms. Current discussions often explore how to design voting systems that mitigate the effects of strategic voting, which can sometimes lead to suboptimal collective decisions. Researchers are examining incentive structures and voting protocols that encourage sincere voting or achieve more robust consensus outcomes. The potential for strategic behavior to impact protocol evolution remains a key area of inquiry.