# Governance Overview

Gitcoin's governance process goes as follows:

1. [Discussion](https://manual.gitcoin.co/governance-processes/discussions) - Someone submits a topic for discussion
2. [Proposal](https://manual.gitcoin.co/governance-processes/proposals) - After a discussion has received some comments and feedback, it is reposted as an official proposal
3. [Off-chain voting](https://manual.gitcoin.co/governance-processes/voting/off-chain-voting) - Once a proposal receives enough commentary, it is moved to a vote on Snapshot
4. [On-chain voting](https://manual.gitcoin.co/governance-processes/voting/onchain-voting) - If the off-chain vote passes, an internally-appointed committee of large token holders will ratify the decision on chain

To pass a proposal through governance takes a minimum of 21 days:

* Discussion & Proposal - 5 days
* Off-chain voting - 7 days
* On-chain voting - 9 days