Americans overwhelmingly voted to restrict data center growth in the 2024 midterms, with 33 of 45 ballot measures passing across 10 states. Ohio led the charge, with all 20 local measures passing, including bans in Urbana (76%) and Hubbard (77%). Senator Sherrod Brown won his race by making opposition to data centers a central platform, calling Jon Husted 'the face of data centers.' Only Harwood, North Dakota, voted against requiring public hearings for large projects.
Measures included bans, moratoriums, energy limits, and mandatory public approval. An NBC exit poll found 56% of voters said AI and data centers were a crucial or major factor in their congressional vote.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing