> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.joint.exchange/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.joint.exchange/concepts/dispute-resolution/voting.md).

# Voting

## Introduction

Voting is how mediators express their verdicts for a given dispute. 

When a mediator is drafted to a dispute, they are expected to review the trade details and evidence presented by the swap counterparts before casting a vote.

A mediator must predict what they believe is the right decision and what they think other mediators will decide based on the available evidence. 

Mediators can vote either to **release** the asset locked in a swap or **cancel** it and return any locked asset to their original owners. They cannot abstain from a vote.

When a mediator's vote is among the majority voters (winners), they will receive a reward. But if their vote is among the minority voters (losers), a fraction of their security deposit is slashed.

If a mediator abstains from voting by not casting a vote or not completing the voting phases, a fraction of their security deposit will be slashed.

## How Voting Works

The Joint protocol voting system incorporates several phases over a fixed duration. 

* **Draft Phase:** In this phase, mediators are drafted into a dispute. The dispute does not begin until all mediators are fully drafted. In this phase, the swap is locked. 
* **Evidence Phase:** The evidence phase is where the mediator is expected to request and review evidence from the swap participants.
* **Vote Commit Phase:** The mediator must encrypt and send their decision (release or cancel the swap). Votes are encrypted to prevent anyone from learning the choice made by the mediator. 
* **Vote Reveal Phase:** After the commit phase, the mediator must reveal their previously encrypted vote so it can be tallied. 
* **Execution Phase:** This is where Joint miners execute the verdict reached by the mediators. 
* **Undraft Phase:** After execution, all drafted tickets must be undrafted and rewards distributed. This is the phase where miners perform those operations.