US Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Data Center Projects in Local Ballot Measures

In the November 3, 2026 US elections, voters in dozens of localities cast ballots on data center development alongside federal and state races. Early results indicate a decisive rejection of new facilities, with restrictive measures passing in 39 out of 40 reported cases, though the legal binding nature of these votes varies by location.

During the November 3, 2026 elections in the United States, voters were presented with ballot measures regarding data center construction in addition to choosing representatives and governors. These local propositions allowed residents to directly approve or reject specific projects, impose bans, or enforce stricter regulations on facility development. According to early data compiled by Redbud Consulting for Data Centers on the Ballot, the results show a strong trend against the expansion of these infrastructure projects.

As of November 4 at 12:16 Paris time, the camp favoring restrictions led in 39 out of the 40 consultations with available results. The dataset covers 45 measures from the election day, although some counts remain ongoing and results are not yet certified. In Trenton, Ohio, nearly 80% of voters approved a charter amendment proposed by local residents that prohibits the construction of data centers exceeding 25 megawatts of electrical capacity. Similarly, in Wilmington, Ohio, voters rejected four separate proposals to rezone land for industrial use, with each measure failing by approximately 80%, effectively blocking a planned data center project.

While the sentiment against development is consistent, the legal impact of these votes differs across municipalities. Some measures are binding and enforce immediate bans or limits, while others are merely advisory. In Monroeville, Ohio, nearly 88% of voters expressed opposition to hosting data centers, but because the vote was non-binding, it does not legally prevent construction. Conversely, the binding vote in Trenton poses a significant obstacle to an Amazon campus project planned for the area, which requires 1,000 megawatts and far exceeds the new 25-megawatt threshold. The fate of an existing 250-megawatt facility being built by Prologis in the same town remains uncertain.

Despite municipal arguments highlighting potential school funding and tax benefits for residents, the majority of voters prioritized local concerns over these economic incentives. The opposition reflects growing awareness of the physical demands of data centers driven by the AI boom, including land usage, increased strain on electrical grids, water consumption for cooling systems, and noise pollution from equipment.

Sources: Numerama.

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