On April 8, 2025, New York Assemblyman Clyde Vanel took a bold step toward revolutionizing election integrity by introducing a bill to explore blockchain technology’s role in state voting systems. Dubbed Assembly Bill A7716, this proposal aims to harness the power of decentralized, tamper-proof ledgers to combat voter fraud and deliver what Vanel calls an “uncensored truth” in democratic processes. With the draft now under review by the Assembly Election Law Committee, here’s why this move could signal a turning point for elections—not just in New York, but across the U.S.
The Proposal: Blockchain as Election Game-Changer
Vanel’s bill directs the New York State Board of Elections to investigate how blockchain—an immutable, cryptographically secured system—could safeguard voter records and election results. If passed, the Board would have 12 months to study its feasibility, drawing insights from other states and collaborating with experts in blockchain, cybersecurity, and voter fraud prevention. The goal? To create a transparent, fraud-resistant voting framework that rebuilds trust in democracy.
This isn’t Vanel’s first rodeo. Since 2017, he’s tabled four versions of similar election-focused blockchain bills, though none have yet passed the Governor’s desk. But with growing interest in decentralized tech and a shifting political landscape, the timing might finally be right.
Why Blockchain? The Case for ‘Uncensored Truth’
Blockchain’s appeal lies in its core traits: it’s decentralized, secure, and verifiable. Imagine a voting system where every ballot is recorded on a public ledger, locked against tampering, and auditable by anyone. Vanel sees this as a way to cut through allegations of fraud and miscounts—issues that have haunted recent elections. By offering an unalterable record, blockchain could ensure that the democratic process reflects the true will of the people, free from manipulation.
National Trend: States Embrace Crypto and Blockchain
New York’s move isn’t happening in a vacuum. Across the U.S., states are eyeing blockchain and crypto for everything from payments to investments. President Donald Trump’s March 2025 executive order for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve has lit a fire under this trend, spurring over 15 states to draft laws for public Bitcoin investments. Arizona and Utah have been frontrunners, though Utah recently dialed back its Bitcoin plans. New York itself has a rich crypto history—think the 2015 BitLicense framework and the 2023 Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Study Task Force—showing it’s no stranger to pushing digital boundaries.
The Road Ahead: From Committee to Law
Right now, Bill A7716 is in the hands of the Assembly Election Law Committee, where it’ll face scrutiny, debates, and possible revisions. If it gains traction, it’ll head to the full Assembly, then the Senate, before landing on the Governor’s desk for a final signature. That’s a long road, and past attempts suggest it’s no slam dunk. But with election integrity a hot topic and blockchain gaining mainstream cred, this version might have the momentum its predecessors lacked.
What Could It Mean?
- For Voters: A system where you can trust your vote counts, no questions asked.
- For Elections: A shield against fraud claims, backed by tech that’s already securing billions in crypto transactions.
- For the U.S.: A potential blueprint as other states watch New York’s experiment unfold.
The Bigger Picture
Vanel’s bill comes at a pivotal moment. With Trump’s re-election amplifying state-level crypto adoption and public skepticism about elections still simmering, blockchain could bridge the gap between technology and trust. It’s not just about New York—it’s about proving that decentralized systems can strengthen democracy itself. Whether this bill becomes law or not, it’s a signal that the conversation around blockchain in governance is heating up, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
