Starknet STRK holders are voting on whether the network should explore leaving Ethereum for a standalone Layer 1, with the seven-day poll closing Oct. 22.
The non-binding vote, posted Oct. 15 on the Starknet community forum and running through Snapshot, asks STRK holders whether the network should research becoming an independent, post-quantum Layer 1. Voters can support further research, oppose it, or stay neutral pending more information, with results published after the poll closes.
Starknet currently settles on Ethereum as a Layer 2, relying on Ethereum for its bridge and data availability. StarkWare, the network’s developer, identifies those two dependencies as its remaining quantum-security vulnerabilities, since they sit outside Starknet’s control and follow Ethereum’s own upgrade schedule for post-quantum protections. StarkWare has said a move would let the network pursue quantum-resistant security on its own schedule, targeting 2027 to become the first fully quantum-resistant network.
The idea went public on Oct. 8, when Starknet’s official account said on X it was “actively considering becoming an L1” with 2027 as the target. StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson laid out the same case in a thread the same day, arguing that the quantum threat may be closer than assumed.
Early participation skews heavily toward a yes. As of Oct. 15, 177.6 million STRK had been cast with 99.91% in favor, and STRK rose 13.34% that day.
Passage would not move the network. StarkWare has said a yes only funds further research, with detailed proposals and additional governance votes required before any transition, and no timetable for becoming a Layer 1 has been announced. A no would keep Starknet’s post-quantum work on its existing Layer 2 path.
Starknet has said it would keep STRK as its native token with no new token introduced, and keep the Ethereum bridge open even while seeking greater autonomy. The network’s STARK proofs are already hash-based, and its accounts can adopt post-quantum signatures without a protocol upgrade, so the Ethereum-linked infrastructure is the part its own stack cannot fix.
