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description: The following steps detail the process of establishing a Rapid validator.
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# Run a Rapid Validator

Setting Up a Rapid Validator This section outlines the steps to establish a Rapid validator.

What is a Validator? Validators hold the responsibility of confirming new blocks within the blockchain through an automated voting mechanism. If a validator becomes unavailable or signs blocks at the same height, their stake faces reduction.

The provided instructions assume you have already completed the preceding steps and have achieved synchronization with the latest block height.

Validators oversee full nodes, engage in consensus by broadcasting votes, confirm new blocks in the blockchain, and partake in blockchain governance. Validators possess the ability to cast votes on behalf of their delegators. A validator's voting influence is determined by their cumulative stake. Only validators present in the Active Validator Set are eligible to sign blocks and receive earnings.

Both validators and their delegators reap the following rewards:

1. **Fees**: These are attached to each transaction to deter spam and compensate for computational resources. Validators define minimum gas prices and decline transactions featuring implied gas prices below this specified threshold.
2. **Mints**: Periodically, the chain generates new tokens, a configuration managed within the ​blockchain protocol.

Validators also have the option to set commissions on the fees they collect, offering an additional incentive.

Concerning fees and mints, the allocation of tokens transpires in every block proportionate to the number of tokens staked by a validator.

In instances where validators engage in double signing, remain frequently offline, or fail to actively engage in governance, their staked Rapid (including that of users who delegated to them) is susceptible to slashing. Penalties can differ based on the severity of the breach.
