Local voters take a clear stand
Data centers became an unusually prominent local ballot issue in the US midterms. About 40 localities across 13 states voted on 45 measures, ranging from outright permanent bans and moratoriums to size and consumption limits and votes on specific projects.
The results favor opponents: 33 restrictive measures won and six more were leading. Only one measure, in Harwood, North Dakota, failed, while five had no posted results. Of 13 measures that would permit data centers, 11 looked set to be defeated.
Recalls follow the votes
The fallout went beyond the ballot box. In Piqua, Ohio, the mayor and two council members were recalled, as was the mayor of Yukon, Oklahoma, over their previous support for data center restrictions.
Investment continues amid uncertainty
It is unclear whether the votes will affect projects already underway. More than 300 local data center bans are in effect across the US, yet only three developments totaling 2.3 gigawatts have been delayed, with 38 gigawatts expected online by 2027.
The votes could shape future projects. The US Senate has accused Big Tech of misleading the public about the benefits of AI data centers, and OpenAI and Anthropic are turning to smaller 20-30 megawatt projects as their gigawatt-scale sites face delays.
What voters worry about
Polls show about 70% of Americans oppose AI data center build-outs, citing utility bill hikes, noise pollution and other local impacts. The Trump administration's steps, including an energy dividend for host communities and a "ratepayer protection pledge," did not appear to change enough minds.
