Key facts
- Voters in 10 US states will decide on Election Day whether to curb data center development.
- Ohio has the most data center-related ballot measures, with over a dozen jurisdictions considering 21 proposals.
- Concerns about electricity and water demands are driving opposition to data centers.
- US data center capacity under construction increased 48% from December 2025 to June 2026.
- Amazon faces a proposed ban on data centers using more than 25 megawatts of power for a $2 billion project in Sunbury, Ohio.
Voters in 10 US states will decide on Election Day whether to curb data center development, as the rapid buildout needed to power the AI boom stirs local opposition. Ohio has the most data center-related ballot measures, with voters in over a dozen jurisdictions set to consider 21 proposals. Concerns about electricity and water demands, as well as health risks, are driving opposition from both Democrats and Republicans. Developers may shift projects to other locations if sites are canceled or delayed, though US data center capacity under construction increased 48% from December 2025 to June 2026.