# 04. Governance Voting The native governance and utility token of [**Stargate Finance**](https://stargate.finance/) is $STG. The token can be staked or used to provide liquidity and participate in protocol governance. By staking $STG, token holders receive $veSTG, Stargate’s voting escrow token. The protocol utilizes a time-weighted reward system that increases the amount of $veSTG earned by stakers as they lock it for longer periods. First of all you need to stake STG token on Stargate platform to receive veSTG as your voting power.

With voting power you can vote on proposal on [**https://snapshot.org/#/stgdao.eth**](https://snapshot.org/#/stgdao.eth)**.** Check back regularly for upcoming votings.