Voters rebuff data centers in every ballot measure except one during the 2026 midterms
Local ballot results and exit polling point to political resistance to new data-center construction, though they do not establish a nationwide halt to projects.
TL;DR
- CNBC reported that voters rejected data-center proposals in all but one of 41 ballot measures across 10 states during the November 3 midterms.
- An NBC exit poll cited by multiple outlets found that 56% of respondents considered AI data centers a crucial or major factor in their congressional vote.
- The results show local and political opposition, but the reports say the measures vary and do not establish that most planned U.S. data-center capacity will be canceled.
CNBC reported that voters rebuffed data-center-related measures in 40 of 41 cases across 10 states during the November 3 U.S. midterm elections. The measures covered local decisions about proposed development, and the sole exception was in Harwood, according to the outlet's accounting. [1] [2]
A separate NBC News exit poll found that 56% of respondents said AI data centers were a crucial or major factor in their vote for Congress. Data Center Dynamics reported the poll result and also summarized responses opposing construction of a new center in a respondent's community. [2] [3]
The political signal was visible in more than ballot questions: coverage described candidates campaigning against data-center projects and residents raising concerns about local impacts. The Atlantic cautioned that inflation, the war in Iran and candidate-specific factors likely mattered more to many voters than AI itself. [1] [4]
The reporting does not show that every measure had the same legal effect or that proposed projects will be canceled. Axios said some analysts expect delays to affect a large share of planned capacity, while also noting that political opposition may not permanently block construction. [1] [4]
Why it matters
Data-center development depends on local land-use decisions, power and water access, and political support. The results raise the risk of longer approval timelines and greater community scrutiny for AI infrastructure, while the scale of any resulting capacity change remains uncertain.
Editor's note
The 40-of-41 tally is CNBC's count; the exit-poll result is a separate measure. Do not interpret either as a national project cancellation rate.