Voters across 13 states are gearing up to make important decisions about data centers this Tuesday, marking a significant moment for the future of artificial intelligence.
There are a total of 41 measures related to data centers on the ballots this November, as reported by Ballotpedia.
These measures often focus on local issues, including whether residents want data centers nearby and what regulations should be in place for their operation.
Currently, there are approximately 3,172 active data centers in the U.S., with another 5,098 planned, according to Cleanview’s data center map.
Ohio is leading the charge with 21 measures across 18 jurisdictions, addressing various aspects such as prohibiting construction of data centers, requiring voter approval before they can be built, and zoning regulations.
With around 200 data centers, it’s safe to say Ohio is at the heart of this ongoing debate.
Former President Trump has expressed robust support for the centers, emphasizing the financial opportunities they could bring to Ohio. “You can’t just turn them off. They’ll go to China,” he mentioned at a recent rally.
His administration has taken steps to alleviate concerns, including an executive order mandating that data centers cover their own electricity costs. With energy bills climbing—around 15% in Ohio alone—many Americans are growing wary.
Polls indicate that despite Trump’s backing, a significant portion of voters are still against the expansion, pointing to high electricity costs and environmental concerns.
The rise in data center development has sparked a bipartisan backlash nationwide, as communities confront the extensive electricity, water, and land demands of these facilities.
A recent Pew poll highlights this growing negativity, revealing that 54% of Americans now view data centers as harmful to the environment, an increase from 39% earlier this year. Additionally, many believe they have a negative impact on home energy costs and community quality of life.
In Ohio, this issue has also intertwined with the Senate race, affecting candidates’ strategies. Democrat Sherrod Brown is positioning himself against incumbent Republican Sen. Jon Husted, who has previously supported data center growth and incentives worth approximately $2.5 billion.
Husted, on the defensive, has criticized Brown for past support of data centers while proposing that they be responsible for financing power grid upgrades due to their energy demands.
It’s uncertain how much this will sway voters in what promises to be a tight race. Democrats seem keen to use this topic to galvanize discontent among voters toward Republicans.
This election cycle, there has been a notable investment of $137.6 million on ads focused on data centers, with Democrats accounting for the majority of that spending.
Here’s a brief look at other states with data center measures on the ballot:
California
Alhambra has a measure that would ban data centers within the city.
Florida
Edgewater is voting on a measure that would prevent any new data centers from being approved, constructed, expanded, or operated.
Illinois
The state has seven measures regarding data centers. Among them, two cities aim to ban data centers entirely, while Joliet County has a measure to allow their construction. Four counties have zoning-related measures concerning data centers.
Kansas
Three counties are voting on measures that would prohibit data centers in their areas.
Maine
Four counties are addressing this issue, with North Berwick proposing a ban and three others considering a temporary halt on new data center applications.
North Dakota
Harwood is looking at a requirement for additional reviews before any new data centers can be established.
New Jersey
One measure in Downe Township is seeking local support for data centers.
Nevada
A proposed measure would permit data centers within the Eldorado Valley Transfer Area.
Wisconsin
The city of Janesville has a measure that would require voter approval before moving forward with the leasing, selling, or developing of data centers.
