Crypto rates as an “important” issue for nearly half of all U.S. voters, according to new survey data from a poll conducted by blockchain firm Consensys and polling company HarrisX.
The survey results, which have a 2.4% margin of error, reveal that 49% of U.S. voters consider a candidate’s position on crypto to be “important” when deciding their vote. Consensys and HarrisX surveyed over 1,600 registered voters and found that the crypto community is notably split in terms of political support.
It does need to be said that Consensys, the largest Ethereum developer in the business, has reason to want to underscore how much voters care about the blockchain industry. And there has been scrutiny from interest groups of the more than $100 million dollars worth of campaign donations that have poured into the election from blockchain companies.
While nearly 27% of those polled are more inclined to support a pro-crypto candidate, the division is apparent when considering party allegiance: Forty percent of respondents trust the GOP’s approach to crypto policy, while 38% lean towards Democrats.
This suggests that, despite a general favor towards pro-crypto policies, the industry does not have a unified stance on which party to back.
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 closely contested race, 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 strong participation, digital asset holders represent a key demographic that both Democratic and Republican candidates aim to win over.
The polling data comes on the heels of Vice President Kamala Harris publicly courting the crypto industry for the first time during her campaign trail. Speaking at a fundraiser in New York City, Harris outlined an agenda focusing 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 dismiss SEC Chair Gary Gensler.
The polls indicate that 56% of voters support Trump’s pro-crypto approach, while 54% believe it is important for Harris to clarify her stance.
Around 44% of voters feel the U.S. government is doing too little to support the digital asset sector, with 78% believing that implementing measures to protect consumers from fraud and scams is a crucial issue.
With voters split on trusting either party to set crypto policies—35% favor Republicans, while 32% favor Democrats—the opportunity for bipartisan appeal is evident.
In swing states, opinions on cryptocurrency regulation vary widely. In Michigan, for instance, 59% of voters favor a free-market approach, while 41% prefer government regulation. Pennsylvania’s electorate remains open to pro-crypto policies across party lines, and in Wisconsin, the GOP holds a slight edge in terms of trust on crypto issues.
Edited by Stacy Elliott.
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