> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gov.tools/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gov.tools/cardano-govtool/faqs/direct-voter-vs-drep.md). # Direct Voter vs DRep Direct voters are a concept that GovTool adds on top of the on-chain DRep mechanism. Direct Voters are not explicitly supported by the protocol but are instead an abstraction over the on-chain DReps. Like DReps a Direct Voter is someone that can vote on any Governance Action with their own Voting Power. They do not wish to campaign for delegations from others or be shown via the DRep Directory. GovTool considers (on-chain) DReps who do not wish to attach metadata to their DRep as Direct voters. The rationale being, those who wish to vote but not represent others are unlikely to want to attach metadata to their registration. They do not wish to be a 'representative'. Other tools likely show Direct Voters as DReps, as on-chain they are. The idea of a direct voter came out of user tests for GovTool, where calling everyone who just wants to vote a 'delegated representative' caused much confusion. Direct voter concept aims to reduce the potential for this confusion. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.gov.tools/cardano-govtool/faqs/direct-voter-vs-drep.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.