New survey data from a poll conducted by blockchain company Consensys and polling firm HarrisX shows that cryptocurrency rates are an “important” issue for nearly half of all U.S. voters.
The findings, which have a margin of error of 2.4%, show that 49% of U.S. voters consider a candidate’s stance on cryptocurrencies “important” when deciding to vote. Consensys and HarrisX surveyed over 1,600 registered voters and found that the cryptocurrency community is noticeably divided in terms of political support.
It goes without saying that Consensys, the largest Ethereum developer in the industry, has reason to want to emphasize how much interest voters have in the blockchain industry. And an interest group launched an investigation into more than $100 million in campaign contributions from blockchain companies.
Nearly 27% of those surveyed were more likely to support cryptocurrency-backed candidates, but the divide is clear when considering party loyalties. 40% of respondents trust the Republican approach to cryptocurrency policy, while 38% lean toward Democrats.
This suggests that despite the general goodwill toward pro-crypto policies, the industry does not have a unified stance on which side to support.
According to the report, the survey included additional voters from swing states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Texas. These states reportedly have sharply divided views on cryptocurrency regulation, potentially tipping the scales in a fiercely contested race.
The survey also found that 85% of cryptocurrency owners want presidential candidates to support cryptocurrency-friendly 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 are aiming to win.
The poll data comes shortly after Vice President Kamala Harris publicly courted the cryptocurrency industry for the first time during her campaign. At a fundraiser in New York City, Harris outlined an agenda focused on “emerging technologies” such as AI and digital assets.
Meanwhile, Republican candidate Donald Trump has taken a more aggressive pro-crypto approach, publicly criticizing current regulations and promising to fire SEC Chairman Gary Gensler.
The poll found that 56% of voters support Trump’s cryptocurrency-friendly approach, while 54% think it is important for Harris to clarify her position.
About 44% of voters believe the U.S. government is doing too little to support the digital asset sector, and 78% believe that implementing measures to protect consumers from fraud and scams is an important issue.
With voters split on who they trust to either side when setting cryptocurrency policy (35% prefer Republicans and 32% prefer Democrats), the opportunity for bipartisan appeal is clear.
In swing states, opinions on cryptocurrency regulation vary widely. For example, in Michigan, 59% of voters favor a free market approach, while 41% favor government regulation. Pennsylvania voters are open to cryptocurrency-friendly policies across political parties, and in Wisconsin, Republicans have a slight edge in terms of trust on cryptocurrency issues.
Edited by Stacey Elliott.
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