diff --git a/core/src/forward_packet_batches_by_accounts.rs b/core/src/forward_packet_batches_by_accounts.rs
index 3bd761a4cd..d7ccfeda61 100644
--- a/core/src/forward_packet_batches_by_accounts.rs
+++ b/core/src/forward_packet_batches_by_accounts.rs
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ impl ForwardBatch {
 pub struct ForwardPacketBatchesByAccounts {
     // Need a `bank` to load all accounts for VersionedTransaction. Currently
     // using current rooted bank for it.
-    current_bank: Arc<Bank>,
+    pub(crate) current_bank: Arc<Bank>,
     // Forwardable packets are staged in number of batches, each batch is limited
     // by cost_tracker on both account limit and block limits. Those limits are
     // set as `limit_ratio` of regular block limits to facilitate quicker iteration.
diff --git a/core/src/immutable_deserialized_packet.rs b/core/src/immutable_deserialized_packet.rs
index 0a12fcad44..1e6953e67d 100644
--- a/core/src/immutable_deserialized_packet.rs
+++ b/core/src/immutable_deserialized_packet.rs
@@ -28,6 +28,8 @@ pub enum DeserializedPacketError {
     SanitizeError(#[from] SanitizeError),
     #[error("transaction failed prioritization")]
     PrioritizationFailure,
+    #[error("vote transaction failure")]
+    VoteTransactionError,
 }
 
 #[derive(Debug, PartialEq, Eq)]
diff --git a/core/src/latest_unprocessed_votes.rs b/core/src/latest_unprocessed_votes.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..1bd5506ea8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/src/latest_unprocessed_votes.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,685 @@
+#![allow(dead_code)]
+use {
+    crate::{
+        forward_packet_batches_by_accounts::ForwardPacketBatchesByAccounts,
+        immutable_deserialized_packet::{DeserializedPacketError, ImmutableDeserializedPacket},
+    },
+    itertools::Itertools,
+    rand::{thread_rng, Rng},
+    solana_perf::packet::{Packet, PacketBatch},
+    solana_runtime::bank::Bank,
+    solana_sdk::{clock::Slot, program_utils::limited_deserialize, pubkey::Pubkey},
+    solana_vote_program::vote_instruction::VoteInstruction,
+    std::{
+        collections::HashMap,
+        ops::DerefMut,
+        rc::Rc,
+        sync::{Arc, RwLock},
+    },
+};
+
+#[derive(PartialEq, Eq, Debug, Copy, Clone)]
+pub enum VoteSource {
+    Gossip,
+    Tpu,
+}
+
+/// Holds deserialized vote messages as well as their source, foward status and slot
+#[derive(Debug, Clone)]
+pub struct LatestValidatorVotePacket {
+    vote_source: VoteSource,
+    pubkey: Pubkey,
+    vote: Option<Rc<ImmutableDeserializedPacket>>,
+    slot: Slot,
+    forwarded: bool,
+}
+
+unsafe impl Send for LatestValidatorVotePacket {}
+unsafe impl Sync for LatestValidatorVotePacket {}
+
+impl LatestValidatorVotePacket {
+    pub fn new(packet: Packet, vote_source: VoteSource) -> Result<Self, DeserializedPacketError> {
+        if !packet.meta.is_simple_vote_tx() {
+            return Err(DeserializedPacketError::VoteTransactionError);
+        }
+
+        let vote = Rc::new(ImmutableDeserializedPacket::new(packet, None)?);
+        Self::new_from_immutable(vote, vote_source)
+    }
+
+    pub fn new_from_immutable(
+        vote: Rc<ImmutableDeserializedPacket>,
+        vote_source: VoteSource,
+    ) -> Result<Self, DeserializedPacketError> {
+        let message = vote.transaction().get_message();
+        let (_, instruction) = message
+            .program_instructions_iter()
+            .next()
+            .ok_or(DeserializedPacketError::VoteTransactionError)?;
+
+        match limited_deserialize::<VoteInstruction>(&instruction.data) {
+            Ok(VoteInstruction::UpdateVoteState(vote_state_update))
+            | Ok(VoteInstruction::UpdateVoteStateSwitch(vote_state_update, _)) => {
+                let &pubkey = message
+                    .message
+                    .static_account_keys()
+                    .get(0)
+                    .ok_or(DeserializedPacketError::VoteTransactionError)?;
+                let slot = vote_state_update.last_voted_slot().unwrap_or(0);
+
+                Ok(Self {
+                    vote: Some(vote),
+                    slot,
+                    pubkey,
+                    vote_source,
+                    forwarded: false,
+                })
+            }
+            _ => Err(DeserializedPacketError::VoteTransactionError),
+        }
+    }
+
+    pub fn get_vote_packet(&self) -> Rc<ImmutableDeserializedPacket> {
+        self.vote.as_ref().unwrap().clone()
+    }
+
+    pub fn pubkey(&self) -> Pubkey {
+        self.pubkey
+    }
+
+    pub fn slot(&self) -> Slot {
+        self.slot
+    }
+
+    pub fn is_forwarded(&self) -> bool {
+        // By definition all gossip votes have been forwarded
+        self.forwarded || matches!(self.vote_source, VoteSource::Gossip)
+    }
+
+    pub fn is_vote_taken(&self) -> bool {
+        self.vote.is_none()
+    }
+
+    pub fn take_vote(&mut self) -> Option<Rc<ImmutableDeserializedPacket>> {
+        self.vote.take()
+    }
+}
+
+pub fn deserialize_packets<'a>(
+    packet_batch: &'a PacketBatch,
+    packet_indexes: &'a [usize],
+    vote_source: VoteSource,
+) -> impl Iterator<Item = LatestValidatorVotePacket> + 'a {
+    packet_indexes.iter().filter_map(move |packet_index| {
+        LatestValidatorVotePacket::new(packet_batch[*packet_index].clone(), vote_source).ok()
+    })
+}
+
+// TODO: replace this with rand::seq::index::sample_weighted once we can update rand to 0.8+
+// This requires updating dependencies of ed25519-dalek as rand_core is not compatible cross
+// version https://github.com/dalek-cryptography/ed25519-dalek/pull/214
+pub(crate) fn weighted_random_order_by_stake<'a>(
+    bank: &Arc<Bank>,
+    pubkeys: impl Iterator<Item = &'a Pubkey>,
+) -> impl Iterator<Item = Pubkey> {
+    // Efraimidis and Spirakis algo for weighted random sample without replacement
+    let staked_nodes = bank.staked_nodes();
+    let mut pubkey_with_weight: Vec<(f64, Pubkey)> = pubkeys
+        .filter_map(|&pubkey| {
+            let stake = staked_nodes.get(&pubkey).copied().unwrap_or(0);
+            if stake == 0 {
+                None // Ignore votes from unstaked validators
+            } else {
+                Some((thread_rng().gen::<f64>().powf(1.0 / (stake as f64)), pubkey))
+            }
+        })
+        .collect::<Vec<_>>();
+    pubkey_with_weight.sort_by(|(w1, _), (w2, _)| w1.partial_cmp(w2).unwrap());
+    pubkey_with_weight.into_iter().map(|(_, pubkey)| pubkey)
+}
+
+pub struct VoteBatchInsertionMetrics {
+    num_dropped_gossip: usize,
+    num_dropped_tpu: usize,
+}
+
+#[derive(Debug, Default)]
+pub struct LatestUnprocessedVotes {
+    latest_votes_per_pubkey: RwLock<HashMap<Pubkey, Arc<RwLock<LatestValidatorVotePacket>>>>,
+}
+
+impl LatestUnprocessedVotes {
+    pub fn new() -> Self {
+        Self::default()
+    }
+
+    /// Expensive because this involves iterating through and locking every unprocessed vote
+    pub fn len(&self) -> usize {
+        self.latest_votes_per_pubkey
+            .read()
+            .unwrap()
+            .values()
+            .filter(|lock| !lock.read().unwrap().is_vote_taken())
+            .count()
+    }
+
+    pub fn is_empty(&self) -> bool {
+        self.len() == 0
+    }
+
+    pub fn insert_batch(
+        &self,
+        votes: impl Iterator<Item = LatestValidatorVotePacket>,
+    ) -> VoteBatchInsertionMetrics {
+        let mut num_dropped_gossip = 0;
+        let mut num_dropped_tpu = 0;
+
+        for vote in votes {
+            if let Some(vote) = self.update_latest_vote(vote) {
+                match vote.vote_source {
+                    VoteSource::Gossip => num_dropped_gossip += 1,
+                    VoteSource::Tpu => num_dropped_tpu += 1,
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        VoteBatchInsertionMetrics {
+            num_dropped_gossip,
+            num_dropped_tpu,
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn get_entry(&self, pubkey: Pubkey) -> Option<Arc<RwLock<LatestValidatorVotePacket>>> {
+        self.latest_votes_per_pubkey
+            .read()
+            .unwrap()
+            .get(&pubkey)
+            .cloned()
+    }
+
+    /// If this vote causes an unprocessed vote to be removed, returns Some(old_vote)
+    /// If there is a newer vote processed / waiting to be processed returns Some(vote)
+    /// Otherwise returns None
+    pub fn update_latest_vote(
+        &self,
+        vote: LatestValidatorVotePacket,
+    ) -> Option<LatestValidatorVotePacket> {
+        let pubkey = vote.pubkey();
+        let slot = vote.slot();
+        if let Some(latest_vote) = self.get_entry(pubkey) {
+            let latest_slot = latest_vote.read().unwrap().slot();
+            if slot > latest_slot {
+                let mut latest_vote = latest_vote.write().unwrap();
+                let latest_slot = latest_vote.slot();
+                if slot > latest_slot {
+                    let old_vote = std::mem::replace(latest_vote.deref_mut(), vote);
+                    if old_vote.is_vote_taken() {
+                        return None;
+                    } else {
+                        return Some(old_vote);
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            return Some(vote);
+        }
+
+        // Should have low lock contention because this is only hit on the first few blocks of startup
+        // and when a new vote account starts voting.
+        let mut latest_votes_per_pubkey = self.latest_votes_per_pubkey.write().unwrap();
+        latest_votes_per_pubkey.insert(pubkey, Arc::new(RwLock::new(vote)));
+        None
+    }
+
+    pub fn get_latest_vote_slot(&self, pubkey: Pubkey) -> Option<Slot> {
+        self.latest_votes_per_pubkey
+            .read()
+            .unwrap()
+            .get(&pubkey)
+            .map(|l| l.read().unwrap().slot())
+    }
+
+    /// Returns how many packets were forwardable
+    /// Performs a weighted random order based on stake and stops forwarding at the first error
+    /// Votes from validators with 0 stakes are ignored
+    pub fn get_and_insert_forwardable_packets(
+        &self,
+        forward_packet_batches_by_accounts: &mut ForwardPacketBatchesByAccounts,
+    ) -> usize {
+        let mut continue_forwarding = true;
+        let pubkeys_by_stake = weighted_random_order_by_stake(
+            &forward_packet_batches_by_accounts.current_bank,
+            self.latest_votes_per_pubkey.read().unwrap().keys(),
+        )
+        .collect_vec();
+        pubkeys_by_stake
+            .into_iter()
+            .filter(|&pubkey| {
+                if !continue_forwarding {
+                    return false;
+                }
+                if let Some(lock) = self.get_entry(pubkey) {
+                    let mut vote = lock.write().unwrap();
+                    if !vote.is_vote_taken() && !vote.is_forwarded() {
+                        if forward_packet_batches_by_accounts
+                            .add_packet(vote.vote.as_ref().unwrap().clone())
+                        {
+                            vote.forwarded = true;
+                        } else {
+                            // To match behavior of regular transactions we stop
+                            // forwarding votes as soon as one fails
+                            continue_forwarding = false;
+                        }
+                        return true;
+                    }
+                }
+                false
+            })
+            .count()
+    }
+
+    /// Sometimes we forward and hold the packets, sometimes we forward and clear.
+    /// This also clears all gossip votes since by definition they have been forwarded
+    pub fn clear_forwarded_packets(&self) {
+        self.latest_votes_per_pubkey
+            .read()
+            .unwrap()
+            .values()
+            .filter(|lock| lock.read().unwrap().is_forwarded())
+            .for_each(|lock| {
+                let mut vote = lock.write().unwrap();
+                if vote.is_forwarded() {
+                    vote.take_vote();
+                }
+            });
+    }
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use {
+        super::*,
+        itertools::Itertools,
+        rand::{thread_rng, Rng},
+        solana_perf::packet::{Packet, PacketFlags},
+        solana_runtime::{
+            bank::Bank,
+            genesis_utils::{self, ValidatorVoteKeypairs},
+        },
+        solana_sdk::{hash::Hash, signature::Signer, system_transaction::transfer},
+        solana_vote_program::{
+            vote_state::VoteStateUpdate,
+            vote_transaction::{new_vote_state_update_transaction, new_vote_transaction},
+        },
+        std::{sync::Arc, thread::Builder},
+    };
+
+    fn from_slots(
+        slots: Vec<(u64, u32)>,
+        vote_source: VoteSource,
+        keypairs: &ValidatorVoteKeypairs,
+    ) -> LatestValidatorVotePacket {
+        let vote = VoteStateUpdate::from(slots);
+        let vote_tx = new_vote_state_update_transaction(
+            vote,
+            Hash::new_unique(),
+            &keypairs.node_keypair,
+            &keypairs.vote_keypair,
+            &keypairs.vote_keypair,
+            None,
+        );
+        let mut packet = Packet::from_data(None, vote_tx).unwrap();
+        packet.meta.flags.set(PacketFlags::SIMPLE_VOTE_TX, true);
+        LatestValidatorVotePacket::new(packet, vote_source).unwrap()
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_deserialize_vote_packets() {
+        let keypairs = ValidatorVoteKeypairs::new_rand();
+        let bankhash = Hash::new_unique();
+        let blockhash = Hash::new_unique();
+        let switch_proof = Hash::new_unique();
+        let mut vote = Packet::from_data(
+            None,
+            new_vote_transaction(
+                vec![0, 1, 2],
+                bankhash,
+                blockhash,
+                &keypairs.node_keypair,
+                &keypairs.vote_keypair,
+                &keypairs.vote_keypair,
+                None,
+            ),
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+        vote.meta.flags.set(PacketFlags::SIMPLE_VOTE_TX, true);
+        let mut vote_switch = Packet::from_data(
+            None,
+            new_vote_transaction(
+                vec![0, 1, 2],
+                bankhash,
+                blockhash,
+                &keypairs.node_keypair,
+                &keypairs.vote_keypair,
+                &keypairs.vote_keypair,
+                Some(switch_proof),
+            ),
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+        vote_switch
+            .meta
+            .flags
+            .set(PacketFlags::SIMPLE_VOTE_TX, true);
+        let mut vote_state_update = Packet::from_data(
+            None,
+            new_vote_state_update_transaction(
+                VoteStateUpdate::from(vec![(0, 3), (1, 2), (2, 1)]),
+                blockhash,
+                &keypairs.node_keypair,
+                &keypairs.vote_keypair,
+                &keypairs.vote_keypair,
+                None,
+            ),
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+        vote_state_update
+            .meta
+            .flags
+            .set(PacketFlags::SIMPLE_VOTE_TX, true);
+        let mut vote_state_update_switch = Packet::from_data(
+            None,
+            new_vote_state_update_transaction(
+                VoteStateUpdate::from(vec![(0, 3), (1, 2), (3, 1)]),
+                blockhash,
+                &keypairs.node_keypair,
+                &keypairs.vote_keypair,
+                &keypairs.vote_keypair,
+                Some(switch_proof),
+            ),
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+        vote_state_update_switch
+            .meta
+            .flags
+            .set(PacketFlags::SIMPLE_VOTE_TX, true);
+        let random_transaction = Packet::from_data(
+            None,
+            transfer(
+                &keypairs.node_keypair,
+                &Pubkey::new_unique(),
+                1000,
+                blockhash,
+            ),
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+        let packet_batch = PacketBatch::new(vec![
+            vote,
+            vote_switch,
+            vote_state_update,
+            vote_state_update_switch,
+            random_transaction,
+        ]);
+
+        let deserialized_packets = deserialize_packets(
+            &packet_batch,
+            &(0..packet_batch.len()).collect_vec(),
+            VoteSource::Gossip,
+        )
+        .collect_vec();
+
+        assert_eq!(2, deserialized_packets.len());
+        assert_eq!(VoteSource::Gossip, deserialized_packets[0].vote_source);
+        assert_eq!(VoteSource::Gossip, deserialized_packets[1].vote_source);
+
+        assert_eq!(
+            keypairs.node_keypair.pubkey(),
+            deserialized_packets[0].pubkey
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            keypairs.node_keypair.pubkey(),
+            deserialized_packets[1].pubkey
+        );
+
+        assert!(deserialized_packets[0].vote.is_some());
+        assert!(deserialized_packets[1].vote.is_some());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_update_latest_vote() {
+        let latest_unprocessed_votes = LatestUnprocessedVotes::new();
+        let keypair_a = ValidatorVoteKeypairs::new_rand();
+        let keypair_b = ValidatorVoteKeypairs::new_rand();
+
+        let vote_a = from_slots(vec![(0, 2), (1, 1)], VoteSource::Gossip, &keypair_a);
+        let vote_b = from_slots(vec![(0, 5), (4, 2), (9, 1)], VoteSource::Gossip, &keypair_b);
+
+        assert!(latest_unprocessed_votes
+            .update_latest_vote(vote_a)
+            .is_none());
+        assert!(latest_unprocessed_votes
+            .update_latest_vote(vote_b)
+            .is_none());
+        assert_eq!(2, latest_unprocessed_votes.len());
+
+        assert_eq!(
+            Some(1),
+            latest_unprocessed_votes.get_latest_vote_slot(keypair_a.node_keypair.pubkey())
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            Some(9),
+            latest_unprocessed_votes.get_latest_vote_slot(keypair_b.node_keypair.pubkey())
+        );
+
+        let vote_a = from_slots(
+            vec![(0, 5), (1, 4), (3, 3), (10, 1)],
+            VoteSource::Gossip,
+            &keypair_a,
+        );
+        let vote_b = from_slots(vec![(0, 5), (4, 2), (6, 1)], VoteSource::Gossip, &keypair_a);
+
+        // Evict previous vote
+        assert_eq!(
+            1,
+            latest_unprocessed_votes
+                .update_latest_vote(vote_a)
+                .unwrap()
+                .slot
+        );
+        // Drop current vote
+        assert_eq!(
+            6,
+            latest_unprocessed_votes
+                .update_latest_vote(vote_b)
+                .unwrap()
+                .slot
+        );
+
+        assert_eq!(2, latest_unprocessed_votes.len());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_simulate_threads() {
+        let latest_unprocessed_votes = Arc::new(LatestUnprocessedVotes::new());
+        let latest_unprocessed_votes_tpu = latest_unprocessed_votes.clone();
+        let keypairs = Arc::new(
+            (0..10)
+                .map(|_| ValidatorVoteKeypairs::new_rand())
+                .collect_vec(),
+        );
+        let keypairs_tpu = keypairs.clone();
+        let vote_limit = 1000;
+
+        let gossip = Builder::new()
+            .spawn(move || {
+                let mut rng = thread_rng();
+                for i in 0..vote_limit {
+                    let vote = from_slots(
+                        vec![(i, 1)],
+                        VoteSource::Gossip,
+                        &keypairs[rng.gen_range(0, 10)],
+                    );
+                    latest_unprocessed_votes.update_latest_vote(vote);
+                }
+            })
+            .unwrap();
+
+        let tpu = Builder::new()
+            .spawn(move || {
+                let mut rng = thread_rng();
+                for i in 0..vote_limit {
+                    let vote = from_slots(
+                        vec![(i, 1)],
+                        VoteSource::Tpu,
+                        &keypairs_tpu[rng.gen_range(0, 10)],
+                    );
+                    latest_unprocessed_votes_tpu.update_latest_vote(vote);
+                    if i % 214 == 0 {
+                        // Simulate draining and processing packets
+                        let latest_votes_per_pubkey = latest_unprocessed_votes_tpu
+                            .latest_votes_per_pubkey
+                            .read()
+                            .unwrap();
+                        latest_votes_per_pubkey.iter().for_each(|(_pubkey, lock)| {
+                            let mut latest_vote = lock.write().unwrap();
+                            if !latest_vote.is_vote_taken() {
+                                latest_vote.take_vote();
+                            }
+                        });
+                    }
+                }
+            })
+            .unwrap();
+        gossip.join().unwrap();
+        tpu.join().unwrap();
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_forwardable_packets() {
+        let latest_unprocessed_votes = LatestUnprocessedVotes::new();
+        let mut forward_packet_batches_by_accounts =
+            ForwardPacketBatchesByAccounts::new_with_default_batch_limits(Arc::new(
+                Bank::default_for_tests(),
+            ));
+
+        let keypair_a = ValidatorVoteKeypairs::new_rand();
+        let keypair_b = ValidatorVoteKeypairs::new_rand();
+
+        let vote_a = from_slots(vec![(1, 1)], VoteSource::Gossip, &keypair_a);
+        let vote_b = from_slots(vec![(2, 1)], VoteSource::Tpu, &keypair_b);
+        latest_unprocessed_votes.update_latest_vote(vote_a);
+        latest_unprocessed_votes.update_latest_vote(vote_b);
+
+        // Don't forward 0 stake accounts
+        let forwarded = latest_unprocessed_votes
+            .get_and_insert_forwardable_packets(&mut forward_packet_batches_by_accounts);
+        assert_eq!(0, forwarded);
+        assert_eq!(
+            0,
+            forward_packet_batches_by_accounts
+                .iter_batches()
+                .filter(|&batch| !batch.is_empty())
+                .count()
+        );
+
+        let config = genesis_utils::create_genesis_config_with_leader(
+            100,
+            &keypair_a.node_keypair.pubkey(),
+            200,
+        )
+        .genesis_config;
+        let bank = Bank::new_for_tests(&config);
+        let mut forward_packet_batches_by_accounts =
+            ForwardPacketBatchesByAccounts::new_with_default_batch_limits(Arc::new(bank));
+
+        // Don't forward votes from gossip
+        let forwarded = latest_unprocessed_votes
+            .get_and_insert_forwardable_packets(&mut forward_packet_batches_by_accounts);
+
+        assert_eq!(0, forwarded);
+        assert_eq!(
+            0,
+            forward_packet_batches_by_accounts
+                .iter_batches()
+                .filter(|&batch| !batch.is_empty())
+                .count()
+        );
+
+        let config = genesis_utils::create_genesis_config_with_leader(
+            100,
+            &keypair_b.node_keypair.pubkey(),
+            200,
+        )
+        .genesis_config;
+        let bank = Arc::new(Bank::new_for_tests(&config));
+        let mut forward_packet_batches_by_accounts =
+            ForwardPacketBatchesByAccounts::new_with_default_batch_limits(bank.clone());
+
+        // Forward from TPU
+        let forwarded = latest_unprocessed_votes
+            .get_and_insert_forwardable_packets(&mut forward_packet_batches_by_accounts);
+
+        assert_eq!(1, forwarded);
+        assert_eq!(
+            1,
+            forward_packet_batches_by_accounts
+                .iter_batches()
+                .filter(|&batch| !batch.is_empty())
+                .count()
+        );
+
+        // Don't forward again
+        let mut forward_packet_batches_by_accounts =
+            ForwardPacketBatchesByAccounts::new_with_default_batch_limits(bank);
+        let forwarded = latest_unprocessed_votes
+            .get_and_insert_forwardable_packets(&mut forward_packet_batches_by_accounts);
+
+        assert_eq!(0, forwarded);
+        assert_eq!(
+            0,
+            forward_packet_batches_by_accounts
+                .iter_batches()
+                .filter(|&batch| !batch.is_empty())
+                .count()
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_clear_forwarded_packets() {
+        let latest_unprocessed_votes = LatestUnprocessedVotes::new();
+        let keypair_a = ValidatorVoteKeypairs::new_rand();
+        let keypair_b = ValidatorVoteKeypairs::new_rand();
+        let keypair_c = ValidatorVoteKeypairs::new_rand();
+        let keypair_d = ValidatorVoteKeypairs::new_rand();
+
+        let vote_a = from_slots(vec![(1, 1)], VoteSource::Gossip, &keypair_a);
+        let mut vote_b = from_slots(vec![(2, 1)], VoteSource::Tpu, &keypair_b);
+        vote_b.forwarded = true;
+        let vote_c = from_slots(vec![(3, 1)], VoteSource::Tpu, &keypair_c);
+        let vote_d = from_slots(vec![(4, 1)], VoteSource::Gossip, &keypair_d);
+
+        latest_unprocessed_votes.update_latest_vote(vote_a);
+        latest_unprocessed_votes.update_latest_vote(vote_b);
+        latest_unprocessed_votes.update_latest_vote(vote_c);
+        latest_unprocessed_votes.update_latest_vote(vote_d);
+        assert_eq!(4, latest_unprocessed_votes.len());
+
+        latest_unprocessed_votes.clear_forwarded_packets();
+        assert_eq!(1, latest_unprocessed_votes.len());
+
+        assert_eq!(
+            Some(1),
+            latest_unprocessed_votes.get_latest_vote_slot(keypair_a.node_keypair.pubkey())
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            Some(2),
+            latest_unprocessed_votes.get_latest_vote_slot(keypair_b.node_keypair.pubkey())
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            Some(3),
+            latest_unprocessed_votes.get_latest_vote_slot(keypair_c.node_keypair.pubkey())
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            Some(4),
+            latest_unprocessed_votes.get_latest_vote_slot(keypair_d.node_keypair.pubkey())
+        );
+    }
+}
diff --git a/core/src/lib.rs b/core/src/lib.rs
index f86ae62971..7ba9f931d9 100644
--- a/core/src/lib.rs
+++ b/core/src/lib.rs
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ pub mod forward_packet_batches_by_accounts;
 pub mod gen_keys;
 pub mod heaviest_subtree_fork_choice;
 pub mod immutable_deserialized_packet;
+mod latest_unprocessed_votes;
 pub mod latest_validator_votes_for_frozen_banks;
 pub mod leader_slot_banking_stage_metrics;
 pub mod leader_slot_banking_stage_timing_metrics;
diff --git a/programs/vote/src/vote_state/mod.rs b/programs/vote/src/vote_state/mod.rs
index bfaf593c0f..c939cd5913 100644
--- a/programs/vote/src/vote_state/mod.rs
+++ b/programs/vote/src/vote_state/mod.rs
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ impl VoteTransaction {
             VoteTransaction::Vote(vote) => vote.slots.last().copied(),
             VoteTransaction::VoteStateUpdate(vote_state_update)
             | VoteTransaction::CompactVoteStateUpdate(vote_state_update) => {
-                Some(vote_state_update.lockouts.back()?.slot)
+                vote_state_update.last_voted_slot()
             }
         }
     }
diff --git a/programs/vote/src/vote_transaction.rs b/programs/vote/src/vote_transaction.rs
index 4ff5970879..43cdbb11d6 100644
--- a/programs/vote/src/vote_transaction.rs
+++ b/programs/vote/src/vote_transaction.rs
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 use {
-    solana_program::vote::{self, state::Vote},
+    solana_program::vote::{
+        self,
+        state::{Vote, VoteStateUpdate},
+    },
     solana_sdk::{
         clock::Slot,
         hash::Hash,
@@ -39,3 +42,33 @@ pub fn new_vote_transaction(
     vote_tx.partial_sign(&[authorized_voter_keypair], blockhash);
     vote_tx
 }
+
+pub fn new_vote_state_update_transaction(
+    vote_state_update: VoteStateUpdate,
+    blockhash: Hash,
+    node_keypair: &Keypair,
+    vote_keypair: &Keypair,
+    authorized_voter_keypair: &Keypair,
+    switch_proof_hash: Option<Hash>,
+) -> Transaction {
+    let vote_ix = if let Some(switch_proof_hash) = switch_proof_hash {
+        vote::instruction::update_vote_state_switch(
+            &vote_keypair.pubkey(),
+            &authorized_voter_keypair.pubkey(),
+            vote_state_update,
+            switch_proof_hash,
+        )
+    } else {
+        vote::instruction::update_vote_state(
+            &vote_keypair.pubkey(),
+            &authorized_voter_keypair.pubkey(),
+            vote_state_update,
+        )
+    };
+
+    let mut vote_tx = Transaction::new_with_payer(&[vote_ix], Some(&node_keypair.pubkey()));
+
+    vote_tx.partial_sign(&[node_keypair], blockhash);
+    vote_tx.partial_sign(&[authorized_voter_keypair], blockhash);
+    vote_tx
+}
diff --git a/sdk/program/src/vote/state/mod.rs b/sdk/program/src/vote/state/mod.rs
index 2bd9481933..49114ea397 100644
--- a/sdk/program/src/vote/state/mod.rs
+++ b/sdk/program/src/vote/state/mod.rs
@@ -128,6 +128,10 @@ impl VoteStateUpdate {
     pub fn slots(&self) -> Vec<Slot> {
         self.lockouts.iter().map(|lockout| lockout.slot).collect()
     }
+
+    pub fn last_voted_slot(&self) -> Option<Slot> {
+        self.lockouts.back().map(|l| l.slot)
+    }
 }
 
 #[derive(Default, Serialize, Deserialize, Debug, PartialEq, Eq, Clone, Copy)]