As the U.S. presidential election approaches, the topic of cryptocurrency is gaining momentum among voters. According to a recent survey by Digital Currency Group (DCG), one in five registered voters considers crypto to be a major issue in the 2024 election. Surprisingly, even though only 14% of voters currently have exposure to crypto, 40% of them expressed a desire for the candidates to discuss crypto more extensively.
The survey also highlighted the widespread sentiment that crypto regulation is in need of a significant overhaul. A majority of respondents expressed a lack of trust in elected officials’ understanding of innovative technologies like crypto. Additionally, more than half of the voters voiced concerns about policymakers stifling crypto innovation through excessive regulation.
Currently, policymakers are deadlocked along partisan lines when it comes to crypto regulation. Democrats advocate for stringent rules to safeguard consumers, mirroring the regulations in the traditional banking sector. On the other hand, Republicans prefer a more hands-off approach with tailored regulations to prevent the crypto industry from relocating offshore.
An interesting development is Republican candidate Donald Trump’s recent endorsement of the crypto industry, despite his previous opposition to Bitcoin. The Republican-led Congress has even passed a resolution to nullify SAB 121, an accounting guidance supported by the Democrat-led White House that restricts banks from offering crypto asset custody services.
According to the DCG survey, half of the respondents indicated that they would be more inclined to invest in crypto if it were offered by a reputable and regulated firm. This suggests that confidence in established institutions could play a crucial role in driving mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency.
The survey included voters from swing states like Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. This indicates that the sentiments towards crypto in these critical states could potentially influence the candidates’ positions on crypto regulation and innovation in the upcoming election.
Crypto’s prominence in the U.S. presidential election highlights the growing relevance of digital assets in mainstream political discourse. As voters express their desire for informed discussions on crypto regulation and innovation, it remains to be seen how candidates will navigate this complex and evolving landscape to secure voter support in the upcoming election.
