Stand With Crypto: Mobilizing Voters for the 2024 Election

Stand With Crypto is emerging as a significant political force within the cryptocurrency industry, aiming to leverage its influence in the upcoming 2024 election. As the political landscape becomes increasingly competitive, this organization is launching a multi-state tour beginning on September 4, with the goal of galvanizing its 1.3 million online supporters to translate their enthusiasm for cryptocurrency into tangible electoral support.

The tour will kick off in Arizona, a state that has proven to be a pivotal battleground for crypto-related political initiatives. At the inaugural event in Phoenix, the organization will feature prominent political figures such as U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and Arizona House Speaker Pro Tempore Travis Grantham, as well as influential figures from the crypto business community. This gathering aims to bridge the gap between cryptocurrency advocates and political leaders, fostering dialogue and support for pro-crypto policies.

Following the Arizona event, Stand With Crypto plans to visit several other potential battleground states, including Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. These states have shown signs of being competitive in the election, making them critical targets for mobilization efforts. Logan Dobson, the executive director of Stand With Crypto, emphasizes the importance of employing campaign-style tactics to engage and motivate crypto supporters to turn out to vote. He notes, “There’s a large group of people who are into crypto, and it’s our job to ensure they understand their voting power.”

In Arizona alone, Stand With Crypto has reportedly gathered nearly 27,000 supporters who have signed up through its website. According to data collected by the organization, over 80% of these individuals are likely registered voters, indicating a significant potential voter base. In the highly contested 2020 presidential election, fewer than 11,000 votes separated former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden in Arizona, highlighting the critical role that every vote can play in determining election outcomes.

Arizona has a history of being a crypto political battleground, as evidenced by the recent congressional primary victory of Yassamin Ansari, a candidate favored by the cryptocurrency industry. Ansari won her primary by a narrow margin of just 39 votes against a candidate who opposed her due to her ties to crypto interests. This highlights the growing influence of the cryptocurrency community in local and national politics, as well as the potential for crypto advocates to sway election results.

As the 2024 election approaches, polling indicates that candidates such as Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are closely matched in Arizona, often within a single percentage point of each other. While Trump has actively voiced support for cryptocurrency, Harris’ campaign has reportedly shown a willingness to adopt a more favorable stance toward digital assets compared to the Biden administration. This presents an opportunity for Stand With Crypto to engage with candidates on both sides of the aisle and advocate for pro-crypto policies that resonate with voters.

In addition to its grassroots efforts, the digital assets industry’s leading political action committee (PAC), Fairshake, has announced a substantial commitment of $3 million each to support U.S. Representative Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) in the Arizona Senate race and Representative Elisa Slotkin (D-Mich.) in Michigan. This move has drawn mixed reactions from the crypto community, particularly among Republican supporters who feel overlooked. Similarly, Fairshake previously faced criticism from Democrats when it pledged $12 million to bolster the campaign of Republican candidate Bernie Moreno, who is challenging powerful Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).

Although Stand With Crypto is not directly affiliated with Fairshake, both organizations share a common goal of promoting cryptocurrency interests in political arenas. Dobson has indicated that Ohio is also a priority for Stand With Crypto, as the state holds significant potential for crypto voters. The organization is strategizing efforts to engage voters and raise awareness about the importance of supporting candidates who advocate for favorable cryptocurrency policies.

As the political landscape continues to evolve leading up to the 2024 election, Stand With Crypto’s initiatives represent a concerted effort to harness the power of the cryptocurrency community. By mobilizing voters and fostering political engagement, the organization aims to ensure that the voices of crypto supporters are heard loud and clear in the electoral process.