Polkadot Validators Lock Up Self-Stakes Amid Staking Redesign

Polkadot's staking redesign is one step closer to reality after validators voted overwhelmingly in favor of a new self-stake rule. The referendum, known as Referendum 1890, requires every validator to lock at least 10,000 DOT of their own funds by May 31.

This move will shift all slashing risk away from ordinary stakers, who become unslashable once the change is enacted. The unbonding period will also be reduced from 28 days to 24-48 hours.

The goal of this redesign is to make Polkadot's staking process more efficient and less burdensome for validators and nominators alike. By mid-June, new validator rewards tied to their self-stake will be added, with a one-year vesting period.