> 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/validators-vs-delegators.md).

# 👥 Validators vs Delegators

In the QIE network, both **validators** and **delegators** play essential roles in securing the blockchain and participating in its economic and governance systems. However, their responsibilities, risks, and rewards differ.

Below is a side-by-side comparison:

***

## 🧑‍⚖️ Validators

| **Role**             | Actively participate in block production, consensus, and governance.                                                                                                 |
| -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Responsibilities** | <p>- Propose and validate blocks<br>- Secure the network via staking<br>- Distribute rewards<br>- Vote on governance proposals<br>- Maintain node infrastructure</p> |
| **Rewards**          | Earn block rewards, transaction fees, and commissions from delegators.                                                                                               |
| **Risks**            | <p>Subject to <strong>slashing</strong> and <strong>jailing</strong> for:<br>- Downtime<br>- Double signing<br>- Misbehavior</p>                                     |
| **Requirements**     | <p>- Run a full validator node<br>- Maintain high uptime<br>- Technical expertise<br>- QIE self-stake</p>                                                            |
| **Governance**       | Full voting rights on proposals. Their votes influence network decisions.                                                                                            |

## 🙋 Delegators

| **Role**             | Stake QIE coins with a trusted validator to earn passive rewards.                                |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Responsibilities** | - Choose trustworthy validators - Monitor validator performance - Redelegate or unbond as needed |
| **Rewards**          | Receive a share of validator rewards **after commission** is deducted.                           |
| **Risks**            | Can lose part of their stake if the validator is slashed.                                        |
| **Requirements**     | No need to run a node. Only requires holding QIE and choosing a validator.                       |
| **Governance**       | Indirect. Delegator voting power is passed to the validator they stake with.                     |

| Feature          | **Validator**                     | **Delegator**                 |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| Stake Required   | Yes (self-stake)                  | Yes (delegated to validator)  |
| Node Operation   | Required                          | Not required                  |
| Reward Source    | Block rewards + fees + commission | Share of validator rewards    |
| Risk of Slashing | Yes                               | Yes (if validator misbehaves) |
| Technical Skill  | High                              | Low                           |
| Governance Power | Direct                            | Indirect (via validator)      |

Validators and delegators **work together** to maintain network health. Validators secure and govern the chain, while delegators provide support and decentralization through their stake.

> 🤝 Choose your role based on your technical skills, risk tolerance, and level of involvement you want in the QIE ecosystem.