> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.thena.fi/thena/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.thena.fi/thena/gauges-and-voting-incentives.md).

# Gauges & Voting Incentives

The Open Marketplace for Liquidity

The veTHE gauge voting system establishes a dynamic & self-optimizing marketplace for liquidity. Incentives are directed toward the most productive pools — those generating the highest trading volumes and fees — ensuring that liquidity flows where it is most efficiently utilized. This mechanism makes THENA a resilient, adaptive and capital-efficient DEX.

* **Bootstrapping Liquidity**: Protocols can solve the initial cold-start of liquidity by depositing voting incentives.
* **Liquidity Management**: Protocols can adjust their liquidity levels by modifying their weekly incentives deposit, enabling them to grow and maintain their pools in line with their strategic objectives
* **Self-Optimizing Liquidity Allocation**: THENA’s ve(3,3) tokenomics structure automatically directs emissions toward pools generating the highest trading volumes and fees.

### Voting Incentives Specifications 

* **Voting incentive claim**: `veTHE` holders receive rewards after the following Epoch in the form of a claimable lump sum
* **Epoch duration**: 1 week (Thursday to Thursday)
* **Tokens**: Any whitelisted tokens can be deposited as voting incentive 
* **Voting incentive deposits**: Any time during the epoch

To attract votes from `veTHE` holders, voting incentive must be deposited at least a few hours before the Epoch changes at 00:00 UTC Wednesday-Thursday night.

Earning voting incentives (and trading fees) requires weekly voting.

Learn more about[ veTHE Voting Mechanisms](/thena/the-tokenomics/tokens-the-vethe-thenft.md#vethe-voting-mechanisms).