> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.visita.co.za/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Governance & Voting

> How to participate in ward governance and vote on decisions

# Governance & Voting

Your voice matters. Participate in ward-level democracy and hold your councillor accountable.

## What You Can Do

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Vote on Issues" icon="check-to-slot">
    Resolution polls let you decide how problems should be fixed
  </Card>

  <Card title="Track Councillor" icon="user-tie">
    Monitor your councillor's promises and performance
  </Card>

  <Card title="Join Discussions" icon="comments">
    Deliberate on ward policies in the Discussions forum
  </Card>

  <Card title="Endorse Proposals" icon="thumbs-up">
    Support community proposals for ward improvements
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Resolution Polls

When a reported issue reaches critical mass (enough upvotes), a poll is automatically created:

**Question:** "How should we resolve this?"

| Option                    | What Happens                             |
| ------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| **Log with Municipality** | Issue sent to city as official complaint |
| **Community Volunteer**   | Local volunteers coordinate the fix      |
| **Hire Private Vendor**   | Registered businesses bid to fix it      |

<Info>
  Polls run for **48 hours**. If fewer than 10 votes, the default option (Municipality) is selected.
</Info>

## Councillor Tracking

On the Governance tab you can:

* View councillor contact information
* See their election mandates/promises
* Track which promises have been delivered
* Rate their overall performance

## Ward Discussions

The Discussions tab is for **deliberation** (not debate):

* All threads are anchored to a Signal, Project, or Policy
* No likes or viral metrics — just calm civic conversation
* Anyone in the ward can participate

## How Votes Are Counted

* **One vote per person per poll**
* **Ward residents only** — you must be a verified ward member
* **Time-bound** — polls close after 48 hours
* **Transparent** — all results are public