Data centers got a slap in the face at the ballot box. These key votes show how.
Voters in numerous U.S. localities have rejected the construction of new data centers through ballot referendums, citing concerns over community impact. Analysts suggest this trend could significantly stall planned capacity expansions for AI and cloud infrastructure.
Why it matters
The growing 'NIMBY' sentiment against data centers poses a major logistical and political hurdle for the rapid scaling of AI and digital infrastructure.
Gina Hinojosa became Texas' first Democratic governor in over 30 years. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Data centers got a big fat "no" from the American people on Tuesday. Dozens of local elections included referendums on their construction. Democrats broke through in Texas, which is home to hundreds of data centers. Americans don't want data centers in their backyards. That's one of the clearest messages sent at the ballot box during Tuesday's midterm elections . NBC News' exit poll found that 76% of voters would oppose the construction of a new data center in their community, and 56% said AI and data centers were a crucial or major factor in their vote for Congress. As well as governors and senators who voiced opposition to data centers winning, ballots included referendums on their construction.
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Voters Reject AI Data Centers in Midterm Elections Across United States
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
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