# How to Vote

Learn how xRAM voting directs emissions and determines eligible voter rewards each epoch.

Source: https://www.ramses.xyz/docs/voting

Use xRAM voting to direct RAM emissions to eligible liquidity pools.

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> **Guide in Progress**
>
> The illustrated voting walkthrough is being updated. Review the current app state, gauge status, and transaction details before submitting a vote.

## Before You Vote

- Voting requires staked xRAM.
- Only active gauges are eligible to receive directed emissions.
- Voter fees and incentives depend on the pools selected and your share of the votes for those pools.
- Review the [xRAM voting mechanics](https://www.ramses.xyz/docs/xram#voting) before participating.

> **Definition**
>
> An **epoch** is Ramses' seven-day accounting period. Each epoch begins Thursday at **00:00 UTC**; voting and reward accounting roll over at the epoch boundary.

> **Vote Timing**
>
> Voting later in an epoch can provide a more complete view of incentives and vote dilution, but waiting also increases the risk of missing the epoch deadline.