Starknet Launches Vote On Leaving Ethereum for Layer 1

Starknet launched a seven-day community vote on October 15, 2026, asking holders of the native cryptocurrency to decide whether the network should explore leaving Ethereum’s Layer 2 ecosystem. The proposal asks the community to determine if developers should research building an independent Layer 1 blockchain designed to resist future quantum computing threats.

According to the governance proposal published after discussions began on October 8, the vote is nonbinding and cannot authorize any immediate migration. Approval would initiate further research and additional votes, while rejection would mean continuing quantum upgrades within the current Starknet Layer 2 structure. Starknet currently processes transactions using its own infrastructure while relying on Ethereum for data availability and security settlement functions.

Token and Bridge Status

The governance proposal clarifies that the native cryptocurrency will remain Starknet’s native token under either arrangement, with no replacement token planned. Additionally, existing bridges connecting Ethereum and Starknet will remain open, ensuring that current transfer routes and connections between the networks will not be immediately closed.

StarkWare maintains that its existing STARK proofs utilize mathematical techniques resistant to attacks from sufficiently powerful quantum computers. However, parts of the network's infrastructure remain dependent on Ethereum, prompting developers to examine whether maintaining the current relationship could delay certain security improvements.

Key facts

• Starknet launched a seven-day community vote on October 15, 2026, regarding an independent quantum-resistant network.
• The vote is nonbinding and serves to determine whether developers should conduct further research.
• The native cryptocurrency will remain the network's token under either arrangement.
• Existing bridges connecting Ethereum and Starknet will remain open.