Voters Reject AI Data Centers Across the United States in Midterm Ballot Measures

Voters across the United States have overwhelmingly rejected new data center developments in a series of midterm ballot measures.

Localities put about 45 measures concerning data centers on the ballot across multiple states. Early results show that 33 measures restricting data center development have already passed, while six more questions are currently leading. Only one measure, which adds an extra review process for industrial projects in Harwood, North Dakota, has failed, and five others have no posted results yet.

The ballot questions cover a wide range of actions, including permanent bans, moratoriums, time-limited restrictions, and limits based on project size or resource consumption. Alongside these votes, the midterm elections led to the recall of the mayor and two council members in Piqua, Ohio, and the mayor of Yukon, Oklahoma, for previously supporting data center bans. A second tracking group reported that of 46 data center measures across 10 states, all 33 measures aimed at limiting data centers are set to pass, while 11 out of 13 positive measures designed to permit construction look set to be defeated.

These results pose a major setback for the Trump administration, which has pushed for increased artificial intelligence development in the United States. Public opinion polls indicate that 70% of Americans oppose AI data center build-outs, driven by concerns over utility price hikes, noise pollution, and other negative community impacts. President Donald Trump previously tried to address these worries by requiring AI data centers to pay energy dividends to local communities and pushing companies and utilities to accept a ratepayer protection pledge. However, those efforts were not enough to change the minds of voters.

It remains unclear whether the election results will affect projects that are already underway. Out of more than 300 local data center bans enacted nationwide, only three developments totaling 2.3 gigawatts have been delayed, while 38 gigawatts are still expected to come online by 2027. Overall investment in the infrastructure is still on track to reach $32 trillion by 2050. Nevertheless, the votes could heavily influence future developments, especially as the U.S. Senate accuses tech companies of misleading the public about the advantages of AI data centers, and major firms scramble for smaller project sites.

Summary

The widespread rejection of data centers at the ballot box highlights a major clash between federal AI expansion goals and local anxieties over rising utility costs and noise. While multi-trillion-dollar investments remain largely protected for now, these local revolts expose deep political friction that could permanently alter how and where tech companies build future infrastructure.