diff --git a/Cargo.lock b/Cargo.lock
index 508210187..1f22d8f06 100644
--- a/Cargo.lock
+++ b/Cargo.lock
@@ -1994,6 +1994,7 @@ dependencies = [
  "solana-netutil 0.12.0",
  "solana-runtime 0.12.0",
  "solana-sdk 0.12.0",
+ "solana-vote-api 0.12.0",
  "solana-vote-program 0.12.0",
  "solana-vote-signer 0.12.0",
  "sys-info 0.5.6 (registry+https://github.com/rust-lang/crates.io-index)",
@@ -2108,6 +2109,7 @@ dependencies = [
  "solana-netutil 0.12.0",
  "solana-runtime 0.12.0",
  "solana-sdk 0.12.0",
+ "solana-vote-api 0.12.0",
  "solana-vote-signer 0.12.0",
 ]
 
@@ -2246,6 +2248,7 @@ dependencies = [
  "serde 1.0.89 (registry+https://github.com/rust-lang/crates.io-index)",
  "serde_derive 1.0.89 (registry+https://github.com/rust-lang/crates.io-index)",
  "solana-sdk 0.12.0",
+ "solana-vote-api 0.12.0",
 ]
 
 [[package]]
@@ -2258,6 +2261,7 @@ dependencies = [
  "solana-rewards-api 0.12.0",
  "solana-runtime 0.12.0",
  "solana-sdk 0.12.0",
+ "solana-vote-api 0.12.0",
 ]
 
 [[package]]
@@ -2280,6 +2284,7 @@ dependencies = [
  "solana-native-loader 0.12.0",
  "solana-sdk 0.12.0",
  "solana-system-program 0.12.0",
+ "solana-vote-api 0.12.0",
 ]
 
 [[package]]
@@ -2345,6 +2350,17 @@ dependencies = [
  "solana-metrics 0.12.0",
 ]
 
+[[package]]
+name = "solana-vote-api"
+version = "0.12.0"
+dependencies = [
+ "bincode 1.1.2 (registry+https://github.com/rust-lang/crates.io-index)",
+ "log 0.4.6 (registry+https://github.com/rust-lang/crates.io-index)",
+ "serde 1.0.89 (registry+https://github.com/rust-lang/crates.io-index)",
+ "serde_derive 1.0.89 (registry+https://github.com/rust-lang/crates.io-index)",
+ "solana-sdk 0.12.0",
+]
+
 [[package]]
 name = "solana-vote-program"
 version = "0.12.0"
@@ -2355,6 +2371,7 @@ dependencies = [
  "solana-metrics 0.12.0",
  "solana-runtime 0.12.0",
  "solana-sdk 0.12.0",
+ "solana-vote-api 0.12.0",
 ]
 
 [[package]]
diff --git a/Cargo.toml b/Cargo.toml
index 4ffe5cab2..90a54b810 100644
--- a/Cargo.toml
+++ b/Cargo.toml
@@ -83,6 +83,7 @@ members = [
     "programs/native/storage",
     "programs/native/system",
     "programs/native/vote",
+    "programs/native/vote_api",
     "replicator",
     "sdk",
     "upload-perf",
diff --git a/core/Cargo.toml b/core/Cargo.toml
index d161749fa..add002465 100644
--- a/core/Cargo.toml
+++ b/core/Cargo.toml
@@ -53,6 +53,7 @@ solana-metrics = { path = "../metrics", version = "0.12.0" }
 solana-netutil = { path = "../netutil", version = "0.12.0" }
 solana-runtime = { path = "../runtime", version = "0.12.0" }
 solana-sdk = { path = "../sdk", version = "0.12.0" }
+solana-vote-api = { path = "../programs/native/vote_api", version = "0.12.0" }
 solana-vote-signer = { path = "../vote-signer", version = "0.12.0" }
 sys-info = "0.5.6"
 tokio = "0.1"
diff --git a/core/src/entry.rs b/core/src/entry.rs
index d06e42864..0d75efb4a 100644
--- a/core/src/entry.rs
+++ b/core/src/entry.rs
@@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ use solana_sdk::hash::Hash;
 use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
 use solana_sdk::signature::{Keypair, KeypairUtil};
 use solana_sdk::transaction::Transaction;
-use solana_sdk::vote_program::Vote;
-use solana_sdk::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
+use solana_vote_api::vote_instruction::Vote;
+use solana_vote_api::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
 use std::borrow::Borrow;
 use std::io::Cursor;
 use std::mem::size_of;
diff --git a/core/src/fullnode.rs b/core/src/fullnode.rs
index 29bd4592e..a1c50a382 100644
--- a/core/src/fullnode.rs
+++ b/core/src/fullnode.rs
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
 use solana_sdk::signature::{Keypair, KeypairUtil};
 use solana_sdk::system_transaction::SystemTransaction;
 use solana_sdk::timing::timestamp;
-use solana_sdk::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
+use solana_vote_api::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
 use std::net::UdpSocket;
 use std::net::{IpAddr, Ipv4Addr, SocketAddr};
 use std::sync::atomic::{AtomicBool, Ordering};
diff --git a/core/src/leader_confirmation_service.rs b/core/src/leader_confirmation_service.rs
index 28d7c9ecc..7a86f30b1 100644
--- a/core/src/leader_confirmation_service.rs
+++ b/core/src/leader_confirmation_service.rs
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ use crate::service::Service;
 use solana_metrics::{influxdb, submit};
 use solana_runtime::bank::Bank;
 use solana_sdk::timing;
-use solana_sdk::vote_program::VoteState;
+use solana_vote_api::vote_state::VoteState;
 use std::result;
 use std::sync::atomic::{AtomicBool, Ordering};
 use std::sync::Arc;
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ mod tests {
     use solana_sdk::genesis_block::GenesisBlock;
     use solana_sdk::hash::hash;
     use solana_sdk::signature::{Keypair, KeypairUtil};
-    use solana_sdk::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
+    use solana_vote_api::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
     use std::sync::Arc;
 
     #[test]
diff --git a/core/src/local_cluster.rs b/core/src/local_cluster.rs
index 89ad47099..bacf02eec 100644
--- a/core/src/local_cluster.rs
+++ b/core/src/local_cluster.rs
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ use solana_sdk::genesis_block::GenesisBlock;
 use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
 use solana_sdk::signature::{Keypair, KeypairUtil};
 use solana_sdk::system_transaction::SystemTransaction;
-use solana_sdk::vote_program::VoteState;
-use solana_sdk::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
+use solana_vote_api::vote_state::VoteState;
+use solana_vote_api::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
 use std::fs::remove_dir_all;
 use std::io::{Error, ErrorKind, Result};
 use std::sync::atomic::{AtomicBool, Ordering};
diff --git a/core/src/replay_stage.rs b/core/src/replay_stage.rs
index 50060cbd6..78e7c2ac8 100644
--- a/core/src/replay_stage.rs
+++ b/core/src/replay_stage.rs
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ use solana_sdk::hash::Hash;
 use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
 use solana_sdk::signature::KeypairUtil;
 use solana_sdk::timing::duration_as_ms;
-use solana_sdk::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
+use solana_vote_api::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
 use std::collections::HashMap;
 use std::sync::atomic::{AtomicBool, Ordering};
 use std::sync::mpsc::{channel, Receiver, RecvTimeoutError};
diff --git a/core/src/staking_utils.rs b/core/src/staking_utils.rs
index 75d69e48a..89adfc3b4 100644
--- a/core/src/staking_utils.rs
+++ b/core/src/staking_utils.rs
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 use hashbrown::HashMap;
 use solana_runtime::bank::Bank;
 use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
-use solana_sdk::vote_program::VoteState;
+use solana_vote_api::vote_state::VoteState;
 
 /// Looks through vote accounts, and finds the latest slot that has achieved
 /// supermajority lockout
diff --git a/core/src/storage_stage.rs b/core/src/storage_stage.rs
index 13a10c662..7517bede9 100644
--- a/core/src/storage_stage.rs
+++ b/core/src/storage_stage.rs
@@ -18,7 +18,6 @@ use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
 use solana_sdk::signature::{Keypair, Signature};
 use solana_sdk::storage_program::{self, StorageProgram, StorageTransaction};
 use solana_sdk::transaction::Transaction;
-use solana_sdk::vote_program;
 use std::collections::HashSet;
 use std::io;
 use std::mem::size_of;
@@ -368,7 +367,7 @@ impl StorageStage {
             // the storage_keys with their signatures.
             for tx in entry.transactions {
                 for (i, program_id) in tx.program_ids.iter().enumerate() {
-                    if vote_program::check_id(&program_id) {
+                    if solana_vote_api::check_id(&program_id) {
                         debug!(
                             "generating storage_keys from votes current_key_idx: {}",
                             *current_key_idx
@@ -459,7 +458,7 @@ mod tests {
     use solana_sdk::hash::Hasher;
     use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
     use solana_sdk::signature::{Keypair, KeypairUtil};
-    use solana_sdk::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
+    use solana_vote_api::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
     use std::cmp::{max, min};
     use std::fs::remove_dir_all;
     use std::sync::atomic::{AtomicBool, AtomicUsize, Ordering};
diff --git a/core/src/thin_client.rs b/core/src/thin_client.rs
index 4b3ca8c1b..f89c47f0f 100644
--- a/core/src/thin_client.rs
+++ b/core/src/thin_client.rs
@@ -490,8 +490,8 @@ mod tests {
     use crate::client::mk_client;
     use bincode::{deserialize, serialize};
     use solana_sdk::system_instruction::SystemInstruction;
-    use solana_sdk::vote_program::VoteState;
-    use solana_sdk::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
+    use solana_vote_api::vote_state::VoteState;
+    use solana_vote_api::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
     use std::fs::remove_dir_all;
 
     #[test]
diff --git a/core/src/voting_keypair.rs b/core/src/voting_keypair.rs
index e03df9190..e6ede8367 100644
--- a/core/src/voting_keypair.rs
+++ b/core/src/voting_keypair.rs
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ pub mod tests {
     use solana_runtime::bank::Bank;
     use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
     use solana_sdk::signature::{Keypair, KeypairUtil};
-    use solana_sdk::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
+    use solana_vote_api::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
 
     pub fn new_vote_account(
         from_keypair: &Keypair,
diff --git a/fullnode/Cargo.toml b/fullnode/Cargo.toml
index 1bfd5c18d..93aca84fb 100644
--- a/fullnode/Cargo.toml
+++ b/fullnode/Cargo.toml
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ solana-netutil = { path = "../netutil", version = "0.12.0" }
 solana-metrics = { path = "../metrics", version = "0.12.0" }
 solana-runtime = { path = "../runtime", version = "0.12.0" }
 solana-sdk = { path = "../sdk", version = "0.12.0" }
+solana-vote-api = { path = "../programs/native/vote_api", version = "0.12.0" }
 solana-vote-signer = { path = "../vote-signer", version = "0.12.0" }
 
 [features]
diff --git a/fullnode/src/main.rs b/fullnode/src/main.rs
index 87a4781aa..b23595849 100644
--- a/fullnode/src/main.rs
+++ b/fullnode/src/main.rs
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ use solana::voting_keypair::{RemoteVoteSigner, VotingKeypair};
 use solana_sdk::genesis_block::GenesisBlock;
 use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
 use solana_sdk::signature::{Keypair, KeypairUtil};
-use solana_sdk::vote_program::VoteState;
-use solana_sdk::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
+use solana_vote_api::vote_state::VoteState;
+use solana_vote_api::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
 use solana_vote_signer::rpc::{LocalVoteSigner, VoteSigner};
 use std::fs::File;
 use std::io::{Error, ErrorKind, Result};
diff --git a/programs/native/rewards/Cargo.toml b/programs/native/rewards/Cargo.toml
index 9104ad148..7126d05e4 100644
--- a/programs/native/rewards/Cargo.toml
+++ b/programs/native/rewards/Cargo.toml
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ log = "0.4.2"
 solana-logger = { path = "../../../logger", version = "0.12.0" }
 solana-sdk = { path = "../../../sdk", version = "0.12.0" }
 solana-rewards-api = { path = "../rewards_api", version = "0.12.0" }
+solana-vote-api = { path = "../vote_api", version = "0.12.0" }
 
 [dev-dependencies]
 solana-runtime = { path = "../../../runtime", version = "0.12.0" }
diff --git a/programs/native/rewards/src/lib.rs b/programs/native/rewards/src/lib.rs
index f47f645ac..7559a5c3d 100644
--- a/programs/native/rewards/src/lib.rs
+++ b/programs/native/rewards/src/lib.rs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ use solana_sdk::account::KeyedAccount;
 use solana_sdk::native_program::ProgramError;
 use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
 use solana_sdk::solana_entrypoint;
-use solana_sdk::vote_program::{self, VoteState};
+use solana_vote_api::vote_state::VoteState;
 
 const INTEREST_PER_CREDIT_DIVISOR: u64 = 100; // Staker earns 1/INTEREST_PER_CREDIT_DIVISOR of interest per credit
 const MINIMUM_CREDITS_PER_REDEMPTION: u64 = 1; // Raise this to either minimize congestion or lengthen the interest period
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ fn redeem_vote_credits(keyed_accounts: &mut [KeyedAccount]) -> Result<(), Progra
         Err(ProgramError::InvalidArgument)?;
     }
 
-    if !vote_program::check_id(&keyed_accounts[0].account.owner) {
+    if !solana_vote_api::check_id(&keyed_accounts[0].account.owner) {
         error!("account[0] is not assigned to the VOTE_PROGRAM");
         Err(ProgramError::InvalidArgument)?;
     }
@@ -87,7 +87,8 @@ mod tests {
     use solana_rewards_api::rewards_state::RewardsState;
     use solana_sdk::account::Account;
     use solana_sdk::signature::{Keypair, KeypairUtil};
-    use solana_sdk::vote_program::{self, Vote};
+    use solana_vote_api::vote_instruction::Vote;
+    use solana_vote_api::vote_state;
 
     fn create_rewards_account(tokens: u64) -> Account {
         let space = RewardsState::max_size();
@@ -113,8 +114,8 @@ mod tests {
         let mut staker_account = Account::new(100, 0, Pubkey::default());
 
         let vote_id = Keypair::new().pubkey();
-        let mut vote_account = vote_program::create_vote_account(100);
-        vote_program::initialize_and_deserialize(
+        let mut vote_account = vote_state::create_vote_account(100);
+        vote_state::initialize_and_deserialize(
             &staker_id,
             &mut staker_account,
             &vote_id,
@@ -122,17 +123,17 @@ mod tests {
         )
         .unwrap();
 
-        for i in 0..vote_program::MAX_LOCKOUT_HISTORY {
+        for i in 0..vote_state::MAX_LOCKOUT_HISTORY {
             let vote = Vote::new(i as u64);
             let vote_state =
-                vote_program::vote_and_deserialize(&vote_id, &mut vote_account, vote.clone())
+                vote_state::vote_and_deserialize(&vote_id, &mut vote_account, vote.clone())
                     .unwrap();
             assert_eq!(vote_state.credits(), 0);
         }
 
-        let vote = Vote::new(vote_program::MAX_LOCKOUT_HISTORY as u64 + 1);
+        let vote = Vote::new(vote_state::MAX_LOCKOUT_HISTORY as u64 + 1);
         let vote_state =
-            vote_program::vote_and_deserialize(&vote_id, &mut vote_account, vote.clone()).unwrap();
+            vote_state::vote_and_deserialize(&vote_id, &mut vote_account, vote.clone()).unwrap();
         assert_eq!(vote_state.credits(), 1);
 
         let rewards_id = Keypair::new().pubkey();
diff --git a/programs/native/rewards/tests/rewards.rs b/programs/native/rewards/tests/rewards.rs
index 588940686..a42e2608a 100644
--- a/programs/native/rewards/tests/rewards.rs
+++ b/programs/native/rewards/tests/rewards.rs
@@ -1,12 +1,11 @@
-use solana_rewards_api;
 use solana_rewards_api::rewards_transaction::RewardsTransaction;
 use solana_runtime::bank::{Bank, Result};
 use solana_sdk::genesis_block::GenesisBlock;
 use solana_sdk::hash::hash;
 use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
 use solana_sdk::signature::{Keypair, KeypairUtil};
-use solana_sdk::vote_program::{self, VoteState};
-use solana_sdk::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
+use solana_vote_api::vote_state::{self, VoteState};
+use solana_vote_api::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
 
 struct RewardsBank<'a> {
     bank: &'a Bank,
@@ -81,12 +80,12 @@ fn test_redeem_vote_credits_via_bank() {
         .unwrap();
 
     // The validator submits votes to accumulate credits.
-    for i in 0..vote_program::MAX_LOCKOUT_HISTORY {
+    for i in 0..vote_state::MAX_LOCKOUT_HISTORY {
         let vote_state = rewards_bank.submit_vote(&vote_keypair, i as u64).unwrap();
         assert_eq!(vote_state.credits(), 0);
     }
     let vote_state = rewards_bank
-        .submit_vote(&vote_keypair, vote_program::MAX_LOCKOUT_HISTORY as u64 + 1)
+        .submit_vote(&vote_keypair, vote_state::MAX_LOCKOUT_HISTORY as u64 + 1)
         .unwrap();
     assert_eq!(vote_state.credits(), 1);
 
diff --git a/programs/native/rewards_api/Cargo.toml b/programs/native/rewards_api/Cargo.toml
index 0b66574ae..4af32f037 100644
--- a/programs/native/rewards_api/Cargo.toml
+++ b/programs/native/rewards_api/Cargo.toml
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ bincode = "1.1.2"
 serde = "1.0.89"
 serde_derive = "1.0.89"
 solana-sdk = { path = "../../../sdk", version = "0.12.0" }
+solana-vote-api = { path = "../vote_api", version = "0.12.0" }
 
 [lib]
 name = "solana_rewards_api"
diff --git a/programs/native/rewards_api/src/rewards_transaction.rs b/programs/native/rewards_api/src/rewards_transaction.rs
index 7d8e9708d..5ff60577e 100644
--- a/programs/native/rewards_api/src/rewards_transaction.rs
+++ b/programs/native/rewards_api/src/rewards_transaction.rs
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ use solana_sdk::signature::{Keypair, KeypairUtil};
 use solana_sdk::system_transaction::SystemTransaction;
 use solana_sdk::transaction::Transaction;
 use solana_sdk::transaction_builder::TransactionBuilder;
-use solana_sdk::vote_program::VoteInstruction;
+use solana_vote_api::vote_instruction::VoteInstruction;
 
 pub struct RewardsTransaction {}
 
diff --git a/programs/native/vote/Cargo.toml b/programs/native/vote/Cargo.toml
index fa3c7b503..0d332ab3c 100644
--- a/programs/native/vote/Cargo.toml
+++ b/programs/native/vote/Cargo.toml
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ log = "0.4.2"
 solana-logger = { path = "../../../logger", version = "0.12.0" }
 solana-metrics = { path = "../../../metrics", version = "0.12.0" }
 solana-sdk = { path = "../../../sdk", version = "0.12.0" }
+solana-vote-api = { path = "../vote_api", version = "0.12.0" }
 
 [dev-dependencies]
 solana-runtime = { path = "../../../runtime", version = "0.12.0" }
diff --git a/programs/native/vote/src/lib.rs b/programs/native/vote/src/lib.rs
index a2f55c1f3..c326b6a18 100644
--- a/programs/native/vote/src/lib.rs
+++ b/programs/native/vote/src/lib.rs
@@ -7,7 +7,8 @@ use solana_sdk::account::KeyedAccount;
 use solana_sdk::native_program::ProgramError;
 use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
 use solana_sdk::solana_entrypoint;
-use solana_sdk::vote_program::{self, VoteInstruction};
+use solana_vote_api::vote_instruction::VoteInstruction;
+use solana_vote_api::vote_state;
 
 solana_entrypoint!(entrypoint);
 fn entrypoint(
@@ -22,9 +23,9 @@ fn entrypoint(
     trace!("keyed_accounts: {:?}", keyed_accounts);
 
     match deserialize(data).map_err(|_| ProgramError::InvalidUserdata)? {
-        VoteInstruction::InitializeAccount => vote_program::initialize_account(keyed_accounts),
+        VoteInstruction::InitializeAccount => vote_state::initialize_account(keyed_accounts),
         VoteInstruction::DelegateStake(delegate_id) => {
-            vote_program::delegate_stake(keyed_accounts, delegate_id)
+            vote_state::delegate_stake(keyed_accounts, delegate_id)
         }
         VoteInstruction::Vote(vote) => {
             debug!("{:?} by {}", vote, keyed_accounts[0].signer_key().unwrap());
@@ -33,8 +34,8 @@ fn entrypoint(
                     .add_field("count", solana_metrics::influxdb::Value::Integer(1))
                     .to_owned(),
             );
-            vote_program::process_vote(keyed_accounts, vote)
+            vote_state::process_vote(keyed_accounts, vote)
         }
-        VoteInstruction::ClearCredits => vote_program::clear_credits(keyed_accounts),
+        VoteInstruction::ClearCredits => vote_state::clear_credits(keyed_accounts),
     }
 }
diff --git a/programs/native/vote/tests/vote.rs b/programs/native/vote/tests/vote.rs
index 1b34f176f..240db2390 100644
--- a/programs/native/vote/tests/vote.rs
+++ b/programs/native/vote/tests/vote.rs
@@ -7,8 +7,9 @@ use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
 use solana_sdk::signature::{Keypair, KeypairUtil};
 use solana_sdk::system_instruction::SystemInstruction;
 use solana_sdk::transaction_builder::{BuilderInstruction, TransactionBuilder};
-use solana_sdk::vote_program::{self, Vote, VoteInstruction, VoteState};
-use solana_sdk::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
+use solana_vote_api::vote_instruction::{Vote, VoteInstruction};
+use solana_vote_api::vote_state::VoteState;
+use solana_vote_api::vote_transaction::VoteTransaction;
 
 struct VoteBank<'a> {
     bank: &'a Bank,
@@ -16,7 +17,7 @@ struct VoteBank<'a> {
 
 impl<'a> VoteBank<'a> {
     fn new(bank: &'a Bank) -> Self {
-        bank.add_native_program("solana_vote_program", &vote_program::id());
+        bank.add_native_program("solana_vote_program", &solana_vote_api::id());
         Self { bank }
     }
 
@@ -74,7 +75,7 @@ fn test_vote_via_bank_with_no_signature() {
     let mallory_id = mallory_keypair.pubkey();
     let blockhash = bank.last_blockhash();
     let vote_ix = BuilderInstruction::new(
-        vote_program::id(),
+        solana_vote_api::id(),
         &VoteInstruction::Vote(Vote::new(0)),
         vec![(vote_id, false)], // <--- attack!! No signature.
     );
diff --git a/programs/native/vote_api/Cargo.toml b/programs/native/vote_api/Cargo.toml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..3379797f7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/programs/native/vote_api/Cargo.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+[package]
+name = "solana-vote-api"
+version = "0.12.0"
+description = "Solana Vote program API"
+authors = ["Solana Maintainers <maintainers@solana.com>"]
+repository = "https://github.com/solana-labs/solana"
+license = "Apache-2.0"
+homepage = "https://solana.com/"
+edition = "2018"
+
+[dependencies]
+bincode = "1.1.2"
+log = "0.4.2"
+serde = "1.0.89"
+serde_derive = "1.0.89"
+solana-sdk = { path = "../../../sdk", version = "0.12.0" }
+
+[lib]
+name = "solana_vote_api"
+crate-type = ["lib"]
diff --git a/programs/native/vote_api/src/lib.rs b/programs/native/vote_api/src/lib.rs
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..df3ed3239
--- /dev/null
+++ b/programs/native/vote_api/src/lib.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+pub mod vote_instruction;
+pub mod vote_state;
+pub mod vote_transaction;
+
+use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
+
+pub const VOTE_PROGRAM_ID: [u8; 32] = [
+    132, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0,
+    0,
+];
+
+pub fn check_id(program_id: &Pubkey) -> bool {
+    program_id.as_ref() == VOTE_PROGRAM_ID
+}
+
+pub fn id() -> Pubkey {
+    Pubkey::new(&VOTE_PROGRAM_ID)
+}
diff --git a/programs/native/vote_api/src/vote_instruction.rs b/programs/native/vote_api/src/vote_instruction.rs
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..1a6760791
--- /dev/null
+++ b/programs/native/vote_api/src/vote_instruction.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+use crate::id;
+use serde_derive::{Deserialize, Serialize};
+use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
+use solana_sdk::transaction_builder::BuilderInstruction;
+
+#[derive(Serialize, Default, Deserialize, Debug, PartialEq, Eq, Clone)]
+pub struct Vote {
+    // TODO: add signature of the state here as well
+    /// A vote for height slot_height
+    pub slot_height: u64,
+}
+
+impl Vote {
+    pub fn new(slot_height: u64) -> Self {
+        Self { slot_height }
+    }
+}
+
+#[derive(Serialize, Deserialize, Debug, PartialEq, Eq, Clone)]
+pub enum VoteInstruction {
+    /// Initialize the VoteState for this `vote account`
+    /// * Transaction::keys[0] - the staker id that is also assumed to be the delegate by default
+    /// * Transaction::keys[1] - the new "vote account" to be associated with the delegate
+    InitializeAccount,
+    /// `Delegate` or `Assign` A staking account to a particular node
+    DelegateStake(Pubkey),
+    Vote(Vote),
+    /// Clear the credits in the vote account
+    /// * Transaction::keys[0] - the "vote account"
+    ClearCredits,
+}
+
+impl VoteInstruction {
+    pub fn new_clear_credits(vote_id: Pubkey) -> BuilderInstruction {
+        BuilderInstruction::new(id(), &VoteInstruction::ClearCredits, vec![(vote_id, true)])
+    }
+    pub fn new_delegate_stake(vote_id: Pubkey, delegate_id: Pubkey) -> BuilderInstruction {
+        BuilderInstruction::new(
+            id(),
+            &VoteInstruction::DelegateStake(delegate_id),
+            vec![(vote_id, true)],
+        )
+    }
+    pub fn new_initialize_account(vote_id: Pubkey, staker_id: Pubkey) -> BuilderInstruction {
+        BuilderInstruction::new(
+            id(),
+            &VoteInstruction::InitializeAccount,
+            vec![(staker_id, true), (vote_id, false)],
+        )
+    }
+    pub fn new_vote(vote_id: Pubkey, vote: Vote) -> BuilderInstruction {
+        BuilderInstruction::new(id(), &VoteInstruction::Vote(vote), vec![(vote_id, true)])
+    }
+}
diff --git a/sdk/src/vote_program.rs b/programs/native/vote_api/src/vote_state.rs
similarity index 84%
rename from sdk/src/vote_program.rs
rename to programs/native/vote_api/src/vote_state.rs
index f5bc8331f..0d61ba5e5 100644
--- a/sdk/src/vote_program.rs
+++ b/programs/native/vote_api/src/vote_state.rs
@@ -1,44 +1,20 @@
-//! Vote program
+//! Vote stte
 //! Receive and processes votes from validators
 
-use crate::account::{Account, KeyedAccount};
-use crate::native_program::ProgramError;
-use crate::pubkey::Pubkey;
-use crate::transaction_builder::BuilderInstruction;
+use crate::vote_instruction::Vote;
+use crate::{check_id, id};
 use bincode::{deserialize, serialize_into, serialized_size, ErrorKind};
 use log::*;
+use serde_derive::{Deserialize, Serialize};
+use solana_sdk::account::{Account, KeyedAccount};
+use solana_sdk::native_program::ProgramError;
+use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
 use std::collections::VecDeque;
 
-pub const VOTE_PROGRAM_ID: [u8; 32] = [
-    132, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0,
-    0,
-];
-
-pub fn check_id(program_id: &Pubkey) -> bool {
-    program_id.as_ref() == VOTE_PROGRAM_ID
-}
-
-pub fn id() -> Pubkey {
-    Pubkey::new(&VOTE_PROGRAM_ID)
-}
-
 // Maximum number of votes to keep around
 pub const MAX_LOCKOUT_HISTORY: usize = 31;
 pub const INITIAL_LOCKOUT: usize = 2;
 
-#[derive(Serialize, Default, Deserialize, Debug, PartialEq, Eq, Clone)]
-pub struct Vote {
-    // TODO: add signature of the state here as well
-    /// A vote for height slot_height
-    pub slot_height: u64,
-}
-
-impl Vote {
-    pub fn new(slot_height: u64) -> Self {
-        Self { slot_height }
-    }
-}
-
 #[derive(Serialize, Default, Deserialize, Debug, PartialEq, Eq, Clone)]
 pub struct Lockout {
     pub slot_height: u64,
@@ -65,43 +41,6 @@ impl Lockout {
     }
 }
 
-#[derive(Serialize, Deserialize, Debug, PartialEq, Eq, Clone)]
-pub enum VoteInstruction {
-    /// Initialize the VoteState for this `vote account`
-    /// * Transaction::keys[0] - the staker id that is also assumed to be the delegate by default
-    /// * Transaction::keys[1] - the new "vote account" to be associated with the delegate
-    InitializeAccount,
-    /// `Delegate` or `Assign` A staking account to a particular node
-    DelegateStake(Pubkey),
-    Vote(Vote),
-    /// Clear the credits in the vote account
-    /// * Transaction::keys[0] - the "vote account"
-    ClearCredits,
-}
-
-impl VoteInstruction {
-    pub fn new_clear_credits(vote_id: Pubkey) -> BuilderInstruction {
-        BuilderInstruction::new(id(), &VoteInstruction::ClearCredits, vec![(vote_id, true)])
-    }
-    pub fn new_delegate_stake(vote_id: Pubkey, delegate_id: Pubkey) -> BuilderInstruction {
-        BuilderInstruction::new(
-            id(),
-            &VoteInstruction::DelegateStake(delegate_id),
-            vec![(vote_id, true)],
-        )
-    }
-    pub fn new_initialize_account(vote_id: Pubkey, staker_id: Pubkey) -> BuilderInstruction {
-        BuilderInstruction::new(
-            id(),
-            &VoteInstruction::InitializeAccount,
-            vec![(staker_id, true), (vote_id, false)],
-        )
-    }
-    pub fn new_vote(vote_id: Pubkey, vote: Vote) -> BuilderInstruction {
-        BuilderInstruction::new(id(), &VoteInstruction::Vote(vote), vec![(vote_id, true)])
-    }
-}
-
 #[derive(Debug, Default, Serialize, Deserialize, PartialEq, Eq, Clone)]
 pub struct VoteState {
     pub votes: VecDeque<Lockout>,
@@ -110,15 +49,6 @@ pub struct VoteState {
     credits: u64,
 }
 
-pub fn get_max_size() -> usize {
-    // Upper limit on the size of the Vote State. Equal to
-    // sizeof(VoteState) when votes.len() is MAX_LOCKOUT_HISTORY
-    let mut vote_state = VoteState::default();
-    vote_state.votes = VecDeque::from(vec![Lockout::default(); MAX_LOCKOUT_HISTORY]);
-    vote_state.root_slot = Some(std::u64::MAX);
-    serialized_size(&vote_state).unwrap() as usize
-}
-
 impl VoteState {
     pub fn new(delegate_id: Pubkey) -> Self {
         let votes = VecDeque::new();
@@ -132,6 +62,15 @@ impl VoteState {
         }
     }
 
+    pub fn max_size() -> usize {
+        // Upper limit on the size of the Vote State. Equal to
+        // sizeof(VoteState) when votes.len() is MAX_LOCKOUT_HISTORY
+        let mut vote_state = Self::default();
+        vote_state.votes = VecDeque::from(vec![Lockout::default(); MAX_LOCKOUT_HISTORY]);
+        vote_state.root_slot = Some(std::u64::MAX);
+        serialized_size(&vote_state).unwrap() as usize
+    }
+
     pub fn deserialize(input: &[u8]) -> Result<Self, ProgramError> {
         deserialize(input).map_err(|_| ProgramError::InvalidUserdata)
     }
@@ -296,7 +235,7 @@ pub fn clear_credits(keyed_accounts: &mut [KeyedAccount]) -> Result<(), ProgramE
 }
 
 pub fn create_vote_account(tokens: u64) -> Account {
-    let space = get_max_size();
+    let space = VoteState::max_size();
     Account::new(tokens, space, id())
 }
 
@@ -329,7 +268,7 @@ pub fn vote_and_deserialize(
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
     use super::*;
-    use crate::signature::{Keypair, KeypairUtil};
+    use solana_sdk::signature::{Keypair, KeypairUtil};
 
     #[test]
     fn test_initialize_staking_account() {
@@ -369,7 +308,7 @@ mod tests {
 
     #[test]
     fn test_vote_serialize() {
-        let mut buffer: Vec<u8> = vec![0; get_max_size()];
+        let mut buffer: Vec<u8> = vec![0; VoteState::max_size()];
         let mut vote_state = VoteState::default();
         vote_state
             .votes
diff --git a/sdk/src/vote_transaction.rs b/programs/native/vote_api/src/vote_transaction.rs
similarity index 82%
rename from sdk/src/vote_transaction.rs
rename to programs/native/vote_api/src/vote_transaction.rs
index 18fab837e..556c122a4 100644
--- a/sdk/src/vote_transaction.rs
+++ b/programs/native/vote_api/src/vote_transaction.rs
@@ -1,14 +1,16 @@
 //! The `vote_transaction` module provides functionality for creating vote transactions.
 
-use crate::hash::Hash;
-use crate::pubkey::Pubkey;
-use crate::signature::{Keypair, KeypairUtil};
-use crate::system_instruction::SystemInstruction;
-use crate::system_program;
-use crate::transaction::{Instruction, Transaction};
-use crate::transaction_builder::TransactionBuilder;
-use crate::vote_program::{self, Vote, VoteInstruction};
+use crate::vote_instruction::{Vote, VoteInstruction};
+use crate::vote_state::VoteState;
+use crate::{check_id, id};
 use bincode::deserialize;
+use solana_sdk::hash::Hash;
+use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
+use solana_sdk::signature::{Keypair, KeypairUtil};
+use solana_sdk::system_instruction::SystemInstruction;
+use solana_sdk::system_program;
+use solana_sdk::transaction::{Instruction, Transaction};
+use solana_sdk::transaction_builder::TransactionBuilder;
 
 pub struct VoteTransaction {}
 
@@ -35,15 +37,15 @@ impl VoteTransaction {
     ) -> Transaction {
         let create_tx = SystemInstruction::CreateAccount {
             tokens: num_tokens,
-            space: vote_program::get_max_size() as u64,
-            program_id: vote_program::id(),
+            space: VoteState::max_size() as u64,
+            program_id: id(),
         };
         Transaction::new_with_instructions(
             &[from_keypair],
             &[vote_account_id],
             recent_blockhash,
             fee,
-            vec![system_program::id(), vote_program::id()],
+            vec![system_program::id(), id()],
             vec![
                 Instruction::new(0, &create_tx, vec![0, 1]),
                 Instruction::new(1, &VoteInstruction::InitializeAccount, vec![0, 1]),
@@ -67,7 +69,7 @@ impl VoteTransaction {
     }
 
     fn get_vote(tx: &Transaction, ix_index: usize) -> Option<(Pubkey, Vote, Hash)> {
-        if !vote_program::check_id(&tx.program_id(ix_index)) {
+        if !check_id(&tx.program_id(ix_index)) {
             return None;
         }
         let instruction = deserialize(&tx.userdata(ix_index)).unwrap();
diff --git a/runtime/Cargo.toml b/runtime/Cargo.toml
index db7164d88..54072ee3f 100644
--- a/runtime/Cargo.toml
+++ b/runtime/Cargo.toml
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ solana-metrics = { path = "../metrics", version = "0.12.0" }
 solana-sdk = { path = "../sdk", version = "0.12.0" }
 solana-native-loader = { path = "../programs/native/native_loader", version = "0.12.0" }
 solana-system-program = { path = "../programs/native/system", version = "0.12.0" }
+solana-vote-api = { path = "../programs/native/vote_api", version = "0.12.0" }
 
 [lib]
 name = "solana_runtime"
diff --git a/runtime/src/accounts.rs b/runtime/src/accounts.rs
index a4d8ffffb..11fe0d178 100644
--- a/runtime/src/accounts.rs
+++ b/runtime/src/accounts.rs
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ use solana_sdk::native_loader;
 use solana_sdk::pubkey::Pubkey;
 use solana_sdk::signature::{Keypair, KeypairUtil};
 use solana_sdk::transaction::Transaction;
-use solana_sdk::vote_program;
+use solana_vote_api;
 use std::collections::BTreeMap;
 use std::env;
 use std::fs::{create_dir_all, remove_dir_all};
@@ -427,7 +427,7 @@ impl AccountsDB {
         index: &HashMap<Pubkey, AccountMap>,
         pubkey: &Pubkey,
     ) {
-        if vote_program::check_id(&account.owner) {
+        if solana_vote_api::check_id(&account.owner) {
             if Self::account_map_is_empty(pubkey, index) {
                 self.index_info.vote_index.write().unwrap().remove(pubkey);
             } else {
@@ -1454,7 +1454,7 @@ mod tests {
             let pubkey = Keypair::new().pubkey();
             let mut default_account = Account::default();
             pubkeys.push(pubkey.clone());
-            default_account.owner = vote_program::id();
+            default_account.owner = solana_vote_api::id();
             default_account.tokens = (num + t + 1) as u64;
             assert!(accounts.load(0, &pubkey, true).is_none());
             accounts.store(0, &pubkey, &default_account);
@@ -1593,7 +1593,7 @@ mod tests {
     fn test_accounts_vote_filter() {
         solana_logger::setup();
         let accounts = Accounts::new(0, None);
-        let mut vote_account = Account::new(1, 0, vote_program::id());
+        let mut vote_account = Account::new(1, 0, solana_vote_api::id());
         let key = Keypair::new().pubkey();
         accounts.store_slow(0, &key, &vote_account);
 
@@ -1608,7 +1608,7 @@ mod tests {
         vote_accounts = accounts.get_vote_accounts(1).collect();
         assert_eq!(vote_accounts.len(), 0);
 
-        let mut vote_account1 = Account::new(2, 0, vote_program::id());
+        let mut vote_account1 = Account::new(2, 0, solana_vote_api::id());
         let key1 = Keypair::new().pubkey();
         accounts.store_slow(1, &key1, &vote_account1);
 
@@ -1636,10 +1636,10 @@ mod tests {
         let accounts = accounts_db.get_vote_accounts(0);
         assert_eq!(accounts.len(), 1);
         accounts.iter().for_each(|(_, account)| {
-            assert_eq!(account.owner, vote_program::id());
+            assert_eq!(account.owner, solana_vote_api::id());
         });
         let lastkey = Keypair::new().pubkey();
-        let mut lastaccount = Account::new(1, 0, vote_program::id());
+        let mut lastaccount = Account::new(1, 0, solana_vote_api::id());
         accounts_db.store(0, &lastkey, &lastaccount);
         assert_eq!(accounts_db.get_vote_accounts(0).len(), 2);
 
diff --git a/runtime/src/bank.rs b/runtime/src/bank.rs
index 19844b4e3..3c44c0a11 100644
--- a/runtime/src/bank.rs
+++ b/runtime/src/bank.rs
@@ -26,7 +26,9 @@ use solana_sdk::system_transaction::SystemTransaction;
 use solana_sdk::timing::{duration_as_us, MAX_RECENT_BLOCKHASHES, NUM_TICKS_PER_SECOND};
 use solana_sdk::token_program;
 use solana_sdk::transaction::Transaction;
-use solana_sdk::vote_program::{self, VoteState};
+use solana_vote_api;
+use solana_vote_api::vote_instruction::Vote;
+use solana_vote_api::vote_state::{Lockout, VoteState};
 use std::result;
 use std::sync::atomic::{AtomicUsize, Ordering};
 use std::sync::{Arc, RwLock};
@@ -255,15 +257,13 @@ impl Bank {
         // will be forced to select it as the leader for height 0
         let mut bootstrap_leader_staking_account = Account {
             tokens: bootstrap_leader_stake,
-            userdata: vec![0; vote_program::get_max_size() as usize],
-            owner: vote_program::id(),
+            userdata: vec![0; VoteState::max_size() as usize],
+            owner: solana_vote_api::id(),
             executable: false,
         };
 
         let mut vote_state = VoteState::new(genesis_block.bootstrap_leader_id);
-        vote_state
-            .votes
-            .push_back(vote_program::Lockout::new(&vote_program::Vote::new(0)));
+        vote_state.votes.push_back(Lockout::new(&Vote::new(0)));
         vote_state
             .serialize(&mut bootstrap_leader_staking_account.userdata)
             .unwrap();
@@ -292,7 +292,7 @@ impl Bank {
 
     fn add_builtin_programs(&self) {
         self.add_native_program("solana_system_program", &system_program::id());
-        self.add_native_program("solana_vote_program", &vote_program::id());
+        self.add_native_program("solana_vote_program", &solana_vote_api::id());
         self.add_native_program("solana_storage_program", &storage_program::id());
         self.add_native_program("solana_bpf_loader", &bpf_loader::id());
         self.add_native_program("solana_budget_program", &solana_budget_api::id());
@@ -1289,7 +1289,7 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(solana_budget_api::id(), budget);
         assert_eq!(storage_program::id(), storage);
         assert_eq!(token_program::id(), token);
-        assert_eq!(vote_program::id(), vote);
+        assert_eq!(solana_vote_api::id(), vote);
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -1302,7 +1302,7 @@ mod tests {
             solana_budget_api::id(),
             storage_program::id(),
             token_program::id(),
-            vote_program::id(),
+            solana_vote_api::id(),
         ];
         assert!(ids.into_iter().all(move |id| unique.insert(id)));
     }
diff --git a/sdk/src/lib.rs b/sdk/src/lib.rs
index 5fea1bfa3..f4ddceca7 100644
--- a/sdk/src/lib.rs
+++ b/sdk/src/lib.rs
@@ -18,8 +18,6 @@ pub mod timing;
 pub mod token_program;
 pub mod transaction;
 pub mod transaction_builder;
-pub mod vote_program;
-pub mod vote_transaction;
 
 #[macro_use]
 extern crate serde_derive;