Data center growth faces 34 ballot tests in seven states

Data centers go before voters

Voters in California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Nevada, Ohio and Wisconsin will decide 34 data center-related ballot measures in November. The votes bring decisions about facilities supporting artificial intelligence directly to communities as data center construction becomes a larger election issue.

Ohio has 20 measures across 17 jurisdictions, giving it more than half of the nationwide total. The measures could shape where and how the large facilities are developed, although the specific questions will differ among jurisdictions.

The ballot activity follows rapid investment in the infrastructure needed to operate AI services. Data centers can also raise local questions about electricity, water, land use and the location of industrial facilities.

Voters weigh benefits and costs

A Fox News national poll found 71% of voters opposed construction of AI data centers in their area, including 46% who strongly opposed it. At the same time, 52% supported putting the facilities in remote locations, while 44% opposed that approach.

Views differed by party: voters with favorable opinions of AI leaned Republican, while those with unfavorable opinions leaned Democratic. Republicans also performed better among voters who supported data centers, and Democrats performed better among those who opposed them.

Policy debate extends beyond the ballot

States outside the seven holding ballot votes have also considered restrictions on data center growth. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a pause on data center permitting and power-grid connections while the state audits potential effects on electricity and water supplies. The November measures will show how individual communities use the ballot process to address similar development questions.