Time-Weighted Snapshotting

Time-weighted snapshotting is a technical method used to determine voting power based on the average balance of governance tokens held over a specific historical period. By looking at a rolling window of time rather than a user's current balance, protocols ensure that voting influence is earned through commitment rather than temporary acquisition.

This prevents attackers from borrowing tokens just before a vote to influence the outcome. The snapshot acts as a verification mechanism that filters out transient holders who have no long-term interest in the protocol.

It is a vital tool for protecting against flash loan attacks and ensuring that governance remains in the hands of genuine stakeholders. This mechanism adds a layer of computational friction that increases the cost and complexity for any entity attempting to manipulate a vote.