Half of US voters consider crypto ‘important’ ahead of election: poll

Crypto is considered an “important” issue for nearly half of all US voters, according to new survey data from a poll conducted by blockchain company Consensys and polling firm HarrisX.

The survey results, which have a margin of error of 2.4%, reveal that 49% of US voters consider a candidate’s stance on crypto “important” when deciding their vote. Consensys and HarrisX surveyed more than 1,600 registered voters and found that the crypto community is particularly divided in terms of political support.

It must be said that Consensys, the industry’s largest Ethereum developer, has reason to want to emphasize how much voters care about the blockchain industry. And interest groups have scrutinized campaign donations worth more than $100 million that were made to the election by blockchain companies.

(Disclaimer: Consensys is one of 22 investors in an editorially independent company. Decrypt.)

While nearly 27% of respondents are more likely to support a pro-crypto candidate, the divide is evident when considering party allegiance: 40% of respondents trust the GOP’s approach to crypto policy, while 38% lean Democratic.

This suggests that, despite general favorability towards pro-crypto policies, the sector does not have a unified position on which party to support.

The survey incorporated additional voters from swing states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Texas, where sharply divided views on crypto regulation could potentially tip the scales in a highly contested race. disputed, according to the report.

The survey also found that 85% of crypto owners want presidential candidates to support pro-crypto policies, and an overwhelming 92% of these owners plan to vote in the 2024 election.

Given their high turnout, digital asset holders represent a key demographic that both Democratic and Republican candidates aim to capture.

The poll data follows Vice President Kamala Harris publicly courting the crypto industry for the first time during her election campaign. Speaking at a fundraiser in New York, Harris outlined an agenda focused on “emerging technologies” like AI and digital assets.

Meanwhile, Republican candidate Donald Trump has taken a more aggressive pro-crypto approach, openly criticizing current regulations and pledging to fire SEC Chairman Gary Gensler.

Polls indicate that 56% of voters support Trump’s pro-crypto approach, while 54% say it is important for Harris to clarify her position.

About 44% of voters believe the U.S. government is not doing enough to support the digital assets industry, and 78% say implementing measures to protect consumers from fraud and scams is a critical issue.

While voters are split on whether they trust either party to set crypto policies – 35% favor Republicans, while 32% favor Democrats – the opportunity for bipartisan appeal is obvious.

In swing states, opinions on cryptocurrency regulation vary widely. In Michigan, for example, 59% of voters favor a free market approach, while 41% prefer government regulation. The Pennsylvania electorate remains open to pro-crypto policies regardless of party, and in Wisconsin, the GOP holds a slight trust advantage on crypto issues.

Edited by Stacy Elliott.