# Dark Matter

**Pōwehi members can voluntarily relinquish their role in proposal creation by opting out through Virgo’s interface, becoming classified as *****Dark Matter*****.** Virgo also includes a built-in fail-safe: if a Pōwehi remains inactive—failing to act as a multi-sig on proposals for 87 consecutive days—they are automatically rendered Dark Matter. The highest-ranked Halo staker is then promoted to the lowest Pōwehi position, ensuring Virgo's continuous and autonomous operation.

**Dark Matter retains all earned rewards but remains unable to vote or create proposals.** They can regain their Pōwehi status by submitting a proposal, which enters a queue for multi-sig validation. If the lowest-ranked Pōwehi remains inactive, the queued Dark Matter is reinstated to Pōwehi, and the inactive member is demoted to the Halo—maintaining the integrity and activity of Virgo’s governance layer.