Registration Policy
1.0 Policy
Title: Registration Policy Version Control: 1.4
Date of Implementation: 12 December 2014
2.0 Summary
This Policy sets forth the criteria which all registrants and domain names must meet in order to be eligible in .VOTE (hereinafter “TLD”). Specifically, this Policy addresses Registrant eligibility (who can register), name selection (different domain name classifications permitted to be registered) and name allocation (how different classes of domain names can be allocated). Failure to comply with this Policy is a basis for a domain name registration to be denied, suspended, transferred and/or cancelled.
3.0 Definitions
3.1 Applicant:
Either a natural person or legal person (business, organization, etc.) that requests registration of a domain name in the TLD.
3.2 Registrant:
The holder of a domain-name registration in the TLD.
3.3 Registrar:
An entity accredited by ICANN and authorized by the Registry Operator to distribute domain names in the TLD.
3.4 Registry Operator:
Monolith Registry, LLC
3.5 Registry Agreement:
The agreement between Registry Operator and ICANN for the TLD.
3.6 Policy:
.VOTE Registration Policy
3.7 TLD:
.VOTE
4.0 Registrant Eligibility
Registrants must have a bona fide intention to use the domain name, during the current/relevant election cycle, in connection with a clearly identified political/democratic process at the time of registration. Warehousing domain names for future speculative use, or registering a domain name to principally block the bona fide registration and use by a third party is expressly prohibited.
5.0 Name Selection
Registry Operator has initially identified the following non-exclusive domain name classifications and restrictions for Registrants when registering a domain name in the TLD.
5.1 Standard Registrations
There must be a clear and logical nexus between the activities of the Registrant within the political/democratic system and the domain name being registered. Registrants shall have a bona fide intention to use the domain name in promoting, developing, educating, or engaging in commerce regarding the political system. Domain names that are likely to deceive, disparage or cause a material detriment to the .VOTE brand, its customers or Internet users are explicitly prohibited, e.g., www.ihateCandidateX.vote, www.yourOpponentsName.vote, etc. The default allocation mechanism in connection with Standard Registrations are First-Come, First-Serve as detailed in Section 6.1. However, the Registry Operator reserves the right to utilize alternative allocation mechanisms identified in Section 6.
5.2 Premium Domain Name Registrations
Premium domain names have been set aside by the Registry to be offered at the Registries discretion at premium prices. The default allocation mechanism in connection with Premium domain names is an RFP as detailed in Section 6.3. However, the Registry Operator reserves the right to utilize alternative allocation mechanisms identified in Section 6 or otherwise noted.
5.3 Reserved Names
Reserved names are any names which are not available for registration due to ICANN restrictions or Registry Operator designation.
5.4 Registry Operator Designated Names
Registry Operator Designated Names are any names designated by Registry Operator (plus their IDN variants, where applicable) in accordance with Specification 5, Section 3.2 of the Registry Agreement (between the .VOTE registry and ICANN) necessary for the operation or the promotion of TLD. The default allocation mechanism in connection with this class of domain names is detailed in Section 6.4. However, the Registry Operator reserves the right to utilize alternative allocation mechanisms identified in Section 6 or otherwise noted.
6.0 Name Allocation Mechanisms
Registry Operator has initially identified the following domain name allocation mechanisms: First-Come, First Served; Auction; Request for Proposal; and Registry Operator Designated. While the default allocation mechanism in connection with each domain name classification has been identified above, Registry Operator may, at its sole discretion, determine the most prudent means to allocate any domain name in the TLD. Allocation options include the following:
6.1 First-Come, First-Served (FCFS)
The domain name is awarded to the first eligible Applicant (i.e., one who has filed a request for registration) for that domain name provided their request has been made through a Registrar and the Applicant and domain name comply with Registry Operator’s Registration Policy. The mere acceptance of any registration fees does not in itself constitute a domain name registration. A domain name is only registered upon approval of Registry Operator of any request for registration.
6.2 Auction
Multiple requests to register an available domain name will be resolved through an Auction. Registry Operator will conduct auctions in accordance with their rules and policies that will be available on/via Registry Operator’s website.
6.3 Request for Proposal (RFP)
Registry Operator will accept proposals from Applicants for an available domain name. Registry Operator reserves the right to impose a reasonable cost-recovery fee on any Applicant that chooses to participate in any RFP. Registry Operator is not bound to select a winner among RFP respondents, and can hold the domain name for future allocation. The rules and procedures for any RFP will be posted on Registry Operator’s website.
6.4 Registry Operator Designated
Registry Operator is permitted under the Registry Agreement to activate a limited number of names (plus their IDN variants, where applicable) necessary for the operation or the promotion of TLD.
7.0 Challenge Process
Registry Operator will provide for an administrative challenge for (i) Applicants who believe they have been wrongfully denied a registration in the TLD, and (ii) third parties who believe a Registrant is not in compliance with the Registration Policy.
8.0 Proxy / Private Registration
.VOTE requires that accurate Registrant data is available in the WHOIS at all times. Therefore, Proxy / Private Registration is not allowed in .VOTE registrations.
9.0 Denial/Suspension/Transfer/Cancellation
Registry Operator reserves the right in its sole discretion to deny, suspend, transfer and/or cancel at any time a domain name registration or request for registration found to be in violation of this Policy, other registry policy, any applicable law, rule or regulation and/or not promoting items related to the political system.
10.0 Modification
Registry Operator reserves the right to modify this Policy at its sole discretion in accordance with its rights and obligations set forth in its Registry Agreement. Such revised Policy shall be posted on Registry Operator’s website <www.get.VOTE> at least 30 calendar days before its effective date. In the event a Registrant objects to any change in this Policy, the sole remedy is Registrant’s cancellation of the Registrant’s domain name registration.