U.S. midterm voters back most data-center restrictions
Engadget, citing Data Centers on the Ballot, reported that 33 measures restricting data centers had passed and another six were projected to pass across 45 measures in 10 states. CNET reported that about 40 restrictive measures received voter support, while only one result, in Harwood, North Dakota, favored expansion. The measures included bans, moratoria, energy-use caps and public-approval requirements. Five localities had not posted voting data, and the reports differed in how they counted the measures.
The votes may affect future data-center developments, but the reports said their effect on projects already underway was unclear.
Americans overwhelmingly voted against data centers in the midterms
Nowhere was the rebuke stronger than the now-blue Ohio.
By Igor Bonifacic Nov. 4, 2026 10:28 am EST

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