This request is to implement, with existing functionality, a simple Voting system for redmine.org by hacking/reusing/abusing the Watchers functionality.

In vanilla Redmine, there is a Watcher's section in the sidebar that has the Watcher count for the issue, in addition to listing all the Watchers. However, it is controlled by the View Watchers permission.

Watchers (2)
Jane Doe
John Doe

This proposal is to expose the Watcher Count.

Here are two possible implementations.

Always display the Watchers (X) header.¶

Add the Watcher Count to the Watch/Unwatch "button".¶

This would be great to have on other objects such as Wiki pages, Forum messages, etc.¶

To make it available beyond redmine.org, displaying the Watcher Count could be controlled with a new permission - @View watcher count@.

PS: Not sure whether to categorize this under "Issues" as the idea applies to other Redmien objects, especially Plugins on redmine.org.

Related Features
Feature #1011 - Add voting to tickets
Feature #6945 - Add a voting system to help users help admins identify popular features/defects