How to Build a DAO on Ethereum - Governor + Timelock (2026)

How to Build a DAO on Ethereum (2026)

A DAO needs 3 components: governance token, voting mechanism, execution layer.

1. Governance Token (ERC-20)

Token holders get voting power proportional to their balance. Use ERC-20 with votes extension.

2. Proposal System

Any token holder can create a proposal. Others vote for or against. Votes weighted by token balance.

3. Timelock Execution

Passed proposals go to a timelock (48h delay). This gives time to review before execution. Prevents malicious proposals.

OpenZeppelin Governor

The standard approach: Governor + Timelock + ERC20Votes. Audited, tested, widely used.

Get a complete DAO template with proposals, voting, quorum, execution: https://rentry.co/w9gngnqt ($1+)