New York Eyes Blockchain to Safeguard Elections Under New Bill

New York may soon explore blockchain technology as a potential safeguard for its electoral process, following the introduction of a new bill in the state legislature.

Assemblymember Clyde Vanel (D-33) filed Assembly Bill A7716 on Tuesday, aiming to initiate a formal study into how blockchain could be used to protect voter data and election results.

The legislation directs the New York State Board of Elections to examine blockchain’s effectiveness in ensuring election integrity and deliver a report within one year.

The bill defines blockchain as a decentralized, cryptographically secure, immutable, and auditable system capable of preserving an “uncensored truth.”

It emphasizes collaboration between the Board of Elections and the Office of Information Technology Services, with input from experts in blockchain, cybersecurity, and election systems.

Currently under review by the Assembly Election Law Committee, the bill has yet to face a full legislative vote.

If it advances, it would need to pass both the Assembly and Senate before heading to the governor’s desk for final approval.

Should it be enacted, the Board of Elections would be legally required to present its findings within 12 months, including examples of how other states and jurisdictions have implemented similar technologies.

This is not Vanel’s first effort to introduce such a measure. Versions of the bill have circulated in the legislature since 2017, but none have progressed into law.

However, growing national interest in blockchain’s public sector applications could give the proposal new momentum.

New York Assemblyman Clyde Vanel Introduces Bill to Use Blockchain for Securing Voter Records and Election Results. pic.twitter.com/b3Y0E2Qp7l

Elsewhere in the country, Utah recently passed HB230, a bill designed to protect blockchain-related activities, though it removed provisions that would have permitted state-level Bitcoin investment.

The legislation still ensures protections for digital payments, wallets, and node operations.

At the federal level, attention on blockchain has intensified following former President Donald Trump’s executive order in March to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

The adoption of Bitcoin has also found momentum state-wide in the U.S.

According to data from Bitcoin Law, 47 Bitcoin reserve bills have been introduced across 26 states, with 41 currently active.

Just recently, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear officially signed House Bill 701, known as the “Bitcoin Rights” bill, into law—making the state one of the latest to enact legislation protecting digital asset users and operations.

Other states are making similar moves. Oklahoma’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act (HB 1203), introduced by Representative Cody Maynard, recently passed the House with a 77-15 vote and is awaiting a Senate decision.

According to Bitcoin Laws, Oklahoma now ranks alongside Texas in second place in the race to establish state-level Bitcoin reserves.

Missouri is also in the mix, with its Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs reviewing its own Bitcoin reserve proposal.

Likewise, two key Bitcoin bills in Arizona cleared the House Rules Committee on March 24.

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