> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.qie.digital/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.qie.digital/what-are-validators.md).

# 🧾 What Are Validators?

Validators are network participants who **secure and maintain the QIE blockchain** by validating and proposing new blocks. They play a critical role in:

* **Confirming transactions**
* **Ensuring consensus and network security**
* **Distributing rewards to themselves and their delegators**
* **Participating in on-chain governance decisions**

Validators run dedicated nodes and stake their coins  as collateral, helping keep the network decentralized, trustworthy, and efficient.