Voters Reject AI Data Center Projects in 44 of 45 Communities

Voters across the U.S. overwhelmingly rejected AI data center ballot initiatives on Tuesday, with 44 of 45 communities voting to restrict or ban construction. The lone measure allowing development passed in Harwood, North Dakota. The measures included outright bans, 180-day moratoriums, and limits on electricity or water usage. Ohio had 21 measures, followed by Maine with eight. Morgan County, Illinois, voted most decisively to restrict, with 88.3% approval, while the average pro-restriction vote exceeded 70%. The results align with a broader Democratic electoral wave rebuking President Trump's pro-data center stance. Trump had urged communities to "let data reign" to avoid becoming "backwards and poor," but voters in most localities chose otherwise.