Crypto’s Call to Action: Stand With Crypto Tour Rallies Voters in Arizona
On a sweltering 100°F evening in Phoenix, Arizona, a wave of crypto enthusiasm washed over the desert city as crypto advocates gathered for the first night of the America Loves Crypto tour. This nationwide initiative, organized by the Stand With Crypto Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to mobilizing America’s 52 million crypto owners, aims to galvanize political engagement ahead of the November US elections.
The tour, a multi-state endeavor focusing on swing states, seeks to highlight the importance of voting for candidates who support pro-crypto policies. The Arizona leg of the tour set the stage with a powerful message from Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Arizona House Speaker Pro Tempore Travis Grantham and a panel of crypto industry leaders, followed by a vibrant musical performance by the psychedelic soul band, The Black Pumas.
A Call to Action: The Crypto Vote and its Potential Impact
Logan Dobson, Executive Director of Stand With Crypto, underscored the tour’s central objective: "A huge priority for us is turning out the crypto vote," he stated. “Our only cause is crypto. We’re not pushing for specific candidates. We’re not pushing for specific parties. We’re just getting the crypto vote out.” The impact of this mobilization is significant, particularly in Arizona, where the 2020 presidential election saw Biden win by a slim margin of about 10,500 votes. Stand With Crypto has already registered over 27,000 crypto supporters in Arizona, a number almost three times the margin of victory in the previous election.
Voices of Change: Politicians Championing Crypto’s Potential
Senator Sinema, known for her independent stance, urged attendees to vote for candidates who champion pro-crypto policies. "You guys are a real force in Arizona and it’s important that we use this election cycle to ensure that the crypto community’s voice is heard," she emphasized. Sinema also called for policies that foster innovation within the financial system, stating: “We’ve got to make sure that candidates up and down the ballot… understand crypto and are working towards a great political climate for crypto rather than one that’s based on misinformation, fear and old-school regulations that hinder the industry.”
Her remarks, delivered with an apparent subtle critique of the Democratic party, concluded with a call for bold leadership: “Don’t be afraid to support a candidate or an elected official who takes risks," she asserted. "You all understand the value of taking risks. The crypto industry wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for risk taking."
Sinema’s message resonated with Grantham, who delivered a impassioned call for voter engagement focused on financial freedom. He highlighted the current abuse of the US dollar by politicians, arguing that Gen Z and Millennials, in particular, should champion pro-crypto politicians to empower assets like bitcoin to compete with the dollar.
"There’s a large group of elected officials who think the government is the solution to our monetary problems," Grantham asserted with stark clarity, "that this fiscal irresponsibility doesn’t matter and that the dollar is going to be the end-all-be-all forever — and that’s just a crazy way of thinking." He further stated that crypto’s growing popularity is a direct consequence of "what we’re doing to the dollar."
For Grantham, the voter’s choice comes down to a crucial battleground: freedom vs. control. "[Some politicians want] control by keeping everybody married to one currency and not allowing anything else to break through, which crypto is doing," he explained. "Competition is a good thing, especially when the person who controls the only thing is abusing it so badly."
Founders Seek Clarity: Industry Leaders Call for Regulatory Certainty
A panel featuring Thor Abassi (Zivoe), George Mekhail (Bitcoin Magazine & Arizona Bitcoin Network), and Shelton Beascochea (DevilsDAO & Stand With Crypto Arizona Chapter President) addressed the audience, emphasizing the need for clear regulatory frameworks that would allow the industry to operate compliantly within the US.
Abassi highlighted the anxieties experienced by crypto founders due to the current regulatory landscape. "One of the toughest things for our project is [knowing] how the industry can interact with banks," he shared, referring to Operation Chokepoint 2.0, a government crackdown on the crypto industry. "If we had regulation describing what crypto companies need to do in order to be banked, that would be hugely beneficial."
Mekhail closed the panel with a message of optimism, drawing attention to the exponential growth of the crypto industry in just a few years. "Think about where we were four years ago," he pointed out. "We couldn’t have an event like this. The fact that 15% of Americans own some form of crypto is crazy, especially thinking about what it’s going to be four years from now." He added, "The momentum is behind us. It’s events like this and just showing up and demonstrating that we have a voice that is really important.”
The Road Ahead: A Call for Action and Continued Engagement
The America Loves Crypto tour, with its powerful message of voter engagement, serves as a vital reminder of the influence that crypto advocates can have in shaping policy. Arizona’s event, with its diverse array of speakers and engaged audience, demonstrates the significant progress made by the crypto industry and the growing importance of crypto-related legislation in the upcoming elections. With events scheduled in other key swing states, the tour continues its efforts to mobilize the crypto vote and galvanize political support for pro-crypto policies in the crucial months ahead. The journey towards greater crypto adoption and acceptance in the US is driven by informed voters who understand the potential of this emerging technology and are prepared to advocate for its future.
