How Crypto Voters Could Influence US Midterm Elections

In Brief

• More politicians are considering their stance on crypto.
• An estimated 44% of voters own or are considering crypto.
• Lobbying Congress has increased as the industry exerts its influence.

U.S. midterm elections are just around the corner. More politicians are considering their stance on the crypto industry as the voter dynamic begins to shift.

There are just 17 days to go until Americans go to the polls for the midterm elections on Nov. 8 and the politicians are polishing their policies.

Crypto assets and the wider decentralized finance industry have been cast into the spotlight again. With deep divisions growing in Congress. With a more tech-savvy and pro-crypto voter base, lawmakers now have to pay attention.

A Washington DC-based political consultant spoke to TRTWorld. He stated “The crypto industry has realized that it cannot sit idle while politicians attempt to regulate digital assets. And politicians have woken up to the fact that they can tap the potential of a new voter,” in a report on Oct. 21.

44% crypto voters

According to a poll by the Global Strategy Group earlier this month, “crypto voters” which were considered as voters who own or are considering owning digital assets, make up 44% of voters across the United States.

A core subset of 17% of those voters already own digital assets. Both the Democrats and Republicans are scrambling to attract them.

North Carolina representative Ted Budd will face off with Democrat Cheri Beasley. While Peter Thiel-backed Republican, Blake Masters, going up against the incumbent Democrat Mark Kelly in Arizona. Budd has supported a number of pro-crypto bills in the past.

Ohio has two potential pro-crypto candidates. Co-sponsor of the Keep Innovation in America Act Tim Ryan, and venture capitalist and Bitcoin holder JD Vance.

“If the number of crypto-curious voters keeps rising, interest from politicians will inevitably keep growing,” the DC-based consultant told the outlet before adding:

“Given demographic trends and adoption levels, it wouldn’t surprise me if crypto became a hot-button topic by the next election cycle.”

Some on crypto Twitter suggested that the Democrats may need to change their stance if they want to come out on top.

Congress lobbying increases

The industry has responded by increasing its lobbying of Congress. While spending on political campaigns for pro-crypto politicians could help regulate it more favorably. Compared to staunch critics such as Elizabeth Warren and Brad Sherman.

The Blockchain Association, which represents more than a hundred industry leaders and organizations, has formed a political action committee (PAC). The aim is to fund and influence candidates that are pro-crypto in future elections.

The American Blockchain PAC or CryptoPAC is a similar organization. That was set up in 2021 to support the digital asset industry at the federal level.

Crypto PACs have spent $6.8 million lobbying congress in the second quarter of this year. While the number of them representing the industry has almost tripled over the last three years.

However, the wheels of bureaucracy turn slowly for Uncle Sam. And regulations are not likely to see the light at least until Q2, 2023. Regardless of who wins in the midterms.