U.S. Presidential Election May Impact Cryptocurrency Regulations and Voting Patterns
Cryptocurrency may influence the U.S. presidential election as an increasing number of Americans invest in digital assets. Between 7% and 21% of Americans, estimated at 18 to 50 million people, hold cryptocurrencies, forming a significant voting bloc. A study indicates that 73% of these voters consider candidates' positions on crypto when voting.
The influence of crypto voters is particularly notable in battleground states. In Arizona and Georgia, the number of crypto supporters exceeds the vote margins from the 2020 election by threefold. Organizations like Stand with Crypto, a pro-crypto Political Action Committee (PAC), are mobilizing these voters. Patrick Gerhart of Telcoin emphasizes the permanence of digital assets, urging political leaders to acknowledge this community's issues.
To support pro-crypto candidates, industry-backed PACs such as FairShake, which has garnered over $200 million from digital asset companies including Coinbase and XRP, are actively campaigning. With upcoming administrations poised to impact regulatory frameworks, the industry invests significantly to promote favorable regulations.
Presidential candidates are responding accordingly. Donald Trump, once critical of crypto, now presents himself as a pro-crypto candidate, proposing a bitcoin (BTC) reserve and advocating for regulatory easing. He recently participated in a major bitcoin conference, though some advocates question his commitment to these proposals. Conversely, the Biden-Harris administration has adopted a stricter regulatory approach, with actions that some argue hinder innovation and prompt crypto firms to relocate internationally.
Vice President Kamala Harris has interacted with crypto industry representatives but has not disclosed specific policies, leaving uncertainty about her administration's potential impact on the sector. Current polls show a 61.6% lead for Donald Trump compared to 38.4% for Kamala Harris, reflecting Trump's appeal among crypto supporters who view him as more favorable for the industry. While neither candidate fully aligns with the crypto community's aspirations, many perceive Trump as a preferable ally compared to the current administration. Todd Ruoff of Autonomys notes that candidates' stances could influence both the future of cryptocurrency and their political viability.