Crypto policy becomes a 2026 election issue as DCG-Harris poll highlights privacy push

A new DCG-Harris Poll suggests crypto policy is becoming a more mainstream voter issue ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterms. DCG said 40% of registered voters view crypto as a major election issue, up from 20% in 2024. The survey of 1,874 registered voters ran May 8–May 18 and oversampled key battleground states including AZ, GA, MI, NV, NC, OH, PA and TX. The poll centers on financial privacy. DCG reported 84% of Americans think individuals—not companies—should own their personal data, and 55% are more likely to use services that do not rely on personal data. DCG linked this to rising concerns over data control as AI and digital finance expand. Policy timing matters: Congress is still debating major digital-asset rules, with the CLARITY Act cited as a key bill. DCG frames the results as evidence of a growing voter bloc that will watch how candidates address crypto policy and privacy. The article also notes mixed signals from other polls—one found only 4% say a candidate’s crypto stance would shape their vote—so election-year crypto policy headlines may remain volatile rather than immediately translating into broad voting shifts.