Starknet holders are all in on Layer 1 transition

Holders of the @StarkNet token $STRK have voted overwhelmingly to back research into turning the network from an Ethereum Layer 2 rollup into an independent, post-quantum Layer 1 blockchain. The vote is non-binding and does not approve a migration.

Vote results and next steps

The result came from an initial seven-day Snapshot poll that closed on Thursday morning. The split was clear:

• 93.5% voted in favor of conducting the research.
• 4.57% voted against.
• 1.91% took a neutral stance.

More than 93.5% of the voting power supported the proposal, with over 2,800 wallets participating, according to StarkWare.The development company behind Starknet did not vote in the poll, leaving the decision to the community. Another outlet, citing StarkWare, reported about 3,200 votes, the highest participation in Starknet's governance history. The difference in participation figures between reports has not been explained.

Following the results, StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation will further research the potential transition. StarkWare Ltd. is expected to deliver an architectural whitepaper by November. CEO Eli Ben-Sasson told The Block the team hopes to release a draft for public scrutiny in November. The paper is meant to set out frameworks that would leave Starknet independent of any external base-layer cryptography roadmap.

Why Starknet is looking at an independent Layer 1

The core issue is the network's reliance on Ethereum. StarkWare noted that Starknet uses hash-based cryptography and accounts could implement post-quantum signatures without altering the protocol, but its cross-chain bridges and data availability still rely on Ethereum, making full post-quantum security unattainable in isolation.

Timing is also a factor. Ben-Sasson argued that Ethereum's 2029 target for becoming quantum-safe is too late, and has set 2027 as Starknet's target.

The vote is only a first step. STRK holders would have to vote again on any future proposal to actually move the network.No date has been agreed for a possible move to Layer 1.The Starknet Foundation has said that, whatever the final decision, STRK will remain the native token, no new tokens will be issued, and the bridge between Ethereum and Starknet will stay open. Until a separate vote says otherwise, Starknet will continue to operate as an Ethereum layer-2 solution.

Sources:

• The Block: Starknet community backs research into an independent post-quantum Layer 1
• Cointelegraph: Starknet voters back post-quantum L1 research