New York Considers Blockchain for Election Security

New York is considering a bill that could pave the way for the integration of blockchain technology into its state-level electoral systems. Assembly Bill A7716, introduced by Assemblymember Clyde Vanel, proposes a comprehensive study on the potential of blockchain to enhance voter data protection and electoral transparency.

If enacted, the bill would mandate the New York State Board of Elections to deliver a detailed report within 12 months, assessing blockchain's role in securing election records and maintaining data integrity. This initiative is part of a broader trend across the United States where states are exploring the use of blockchain and digital assets in public sector infrastructure, including voting systems and financial reserves.

The bill, filed on March 26, tasks the Board of Elections with evaluating blockchain's ability to create an immutable, cryptographically secure, and auditable record for elections. It describes blockchain as a system that preserves an “uncensored truth,” highlighting its decentralized and tamper-resistant structure. The study would be conducted in collaboration with the Office of Information Technology Services and informed by external experts in blockchain, cybersecurity, and election systems.

The legislation is currently under review by the Assembly Election Law Committee and must pass both legislative chambers before reaching the governor for final approval. If the bill becomes law, the Board would be legally obligated to report its findings by 2026, including case studies from other jurisdictions that have trialed or implemented blockchain for voting or voter verification systems.

New York’s proposal comes as several states are expanding blockchain legislation into financial infrastructure. While A7716 focuses on elections, other states are moving toward formalizing state-level digital asset reserves. This wave of legislation reflects growing interest in digital assets as a tool for financial resilience and innovation.

In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 701, offering protections for Bitcoin users and businesses operating within the state. Oklahoma has followed suit with HB 1203, the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, which passed the House with a 77-15 vote and is now under Senate review. Missouri is also considering its own version of a state-backed Bitcoin reserve, while Arizona’s House Rules Committee recently cleared two Bitcoin-related bills, further cementing the technology’s appeal in policymaking circles.

The bill introduced by Vanel is not the first of its kind. Similar measures have appeared in the New York legislature since 2017 but have failed to progress. However, a broader shift in sentiment towards blockchain adoption, driven by both private sector use cases and federal engagement, may provide A7716 with a more favorable trajectory. In March, Donald Trump issued an executive order calling for the creation of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, signaling growing federal interest in decentralized digital infrastructure.

That directive has sparked new attention on how blockchain might serve national and state-level interests in both security and economic contexts. If New York’s proposed study concludes that blockchain offers practical benefits for elections, it could trigger further legislation to trial or deploy such systems in future voting cycles.