Voters in 10 U.S. states will decide on local ballot initiatives regarding data center development during the midterm elections on November 3, 2026. According to the research group Ballotpedia, 38 local jurisdictions are considering at least 41 measures that would delay, prohibit, or place new requirements on these facilities, which provide the computing power for artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
The increase in ballot measures follows a period of rapid industry expansion. John McWilliams of real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield reported that U.S. data center capacity under construction grew by 48% between December 2025 and June 2026. The facilities are facing opposition from residents due to concerns over their consumption of electricity and water, as well as potential local health effects.
Ohio is one focal point for the issue, with more than a dozen jurisdictions considering 21 different proposals. In Sunbury, Ohio, a specific measure seeks to ban data centers that use more than 25 megawatts of power. Amazon, which has proposed a $2 billion development in that area, has engaged in local outreach. Amazon’s public policy lead, Shannon Kellogg, appeared on local television to answer questions. An Amazon spokesperson stated the company is focused on supporting jobs and tax payments regardless of the outcome of individual measures.
At the industry level, developers and investors face shifting geographic risks. While U.S. data center capacity grew 48% in the first half of 2026, Dell’Oro Group analyst Baron Fung noted that local restrictions might cause developers to move projects to different sites rather than stopping them. Residents who live near proposed sites have raised concerns about impacts including health risks like asthma and competition for water and power resources.
The specific effects on utility bills or grid reliability have not been detailed in dollar amounts, but the presence of 41 measures across 10 states indicates a regional push to regulate these facilities. The voting will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Following the election, developers will have to determine whether to proceed under new regulations, move projects to jurisdictions with fewer restrictions, or abandon specific site plans. The industry continues to face related challenges including rising construction costs and multi-year waits for power grid connections.