AI data center boom faces backlash at US ballot box

Voters in 10 US states will decide on Election Day whether to limit data center development in their communities, as demand to support the AI boom drives opposition locally. Ohio, a fast-growing data center market, has the most related ballot measures, with over 21 proposals in more than a dozen jurisdictions set to vote during Tuesday's midterm elections, according to Ballotpedia.

In 38 local jurisdictions, at least 41 measures could delay, prohibit, or impose new requirements on data centers, reflecting opposition across the political spectrum. Both Democrats and Republicans support banning construction of certain data centers, according to local organizer Jessica Baker of the advocacy group Conserve Ohio.

Concerns about electricity and water demands, even with in-house power generation, drive opposition, as many residents worry about health risks to children, such as asthma. If Ohio voters approve restrictions, developers may relocate projects, says Baron Fung, who oversees IT infrastructure research at Dell Oro Group. The industry already faces challenges like long waits for grid connections and rising construction costs.

Even with local opposition, US data center capacity under construction has increased by 48% from December 2025 to June 2026, according to Cushman & Wakefield's John McWilliams. Large players like Amazon are closely watching the ballot measures. A proposed $2 billion data center in Sunbury, Ohio, could be hindered by a measure banning centers using more than 25 megawatts of power.

Amazon's spokesperson emphasized their commitment to the communities where they operate, regardless of the outcome.