Voters in 13 States to Decide Fate of Data Centers on Election Day
Ballot measures address issues from local bans to zoning regulations as AI-driven data centers face public scrutiny over energy and environmental concerns.
Election Day will see voters in 13 states decide the future of data centers, as 41 related measures appear on ballots nationwide. These measures, often localized, will determine whether residents want data centers in their communities and what regulations will govern their operation.
Ohio is at the forefront of this debate, with 21 measures across 18 jurisdictions. These proposals range from outright prohibitions on data center construction to requirements for voter approval before building can begin, alongside zoning regulations. Currently, Ohio hosts around 200 data centers, one of the highest concentrations in the U.S., with an additional 5,098 planned nationwide according to Cleanview's data center map.
President Trump has publicly supported data centers, advocating for their development in Ohio and warning that rejecting them could lead to countries like China gaining a technological advantage. He has also proposed executive orders requiring data centers to cover their own electricity costs, a move aimed at addressing rising energy expenses, which have seen an approximate 15% increase for average households in Ohio over the past year.
Despite presidential endorsement, public opinion shows growing concern. A September Pew poll revealed that 54% of Americans view data centers as detrimental to the environment, a significant increase from 39% in January. Similarly, 50% believe they negatively impact home energy costs, up from 38%, and 49% feel they detract from local quality of life, compared to 30% earlier in the year.
This growing unease has prompted a bipartisan backlash across the country as communities grapple with the substantial demands data centers place on electricity, water, and land. The issue has even permeated the Ohio Senate race, with Democrat Sherrod Brown attempting to link his opponent, incumbent Republican Sen. Jon Husted, to the data center industry, citing Husted's past championing of data center growth and an estimated $2.5 billion in state incentives. Husted has countered by pointing to Brown's prior support for the centers and has introduced legislation requiring data centers to fund grid upgrades and other associated costs.
In this election cycle, approximately $137.6 million has been spent on advertisements related to data centers, with Democrats accounting for 77% of this spending.
Beyond Ohio, other states with data center-related ballot measures include:
California
One measure in Alhambra aims to prohibit data centers within the city.
Florida
Edgewater has a measure that would prevent the approval, construction, expansion, or operation of new data centers.
Illinois
Seven measures are on ballots across the state. Two cities propose bans, Joliet County has a measure to approve data center construction, and four counties are voting on zoning measures.
Kansas
Three counties have measures seeking to prohibit data centers.
Maine
Four counties are voting on the issue. North Berwick proposes a ban, while three other counties are considering temporary moratoriums on data center applications.
North Dakota
The city of Harwood will vote on requiring additional review before data centers are built.
New Jersey
Downe Township has a measure asking for support of data centers.
Nevada
One measure concerns allowing data centers within the Eldorado Valley Transfer Area.
Wisconsin
Janesville is voting on a measure requiring voter approval for the city to lease, sell, transfer, or approve data center development.