Voters backed tighter restrictions on data center development in 40 of 41 related ballot measures in the U.S. midterm elections, a result that puts a political constraint on the physical infrastructure of AI. The votes came alongside major Democratic victories that could bring further regulatory pressure on the technology industry.
Data centers become an election issue
The 41 measures were put to voters on Tuesday. In all but one, a majority favored imposing more restrictions on data center development.
Data centers also featured in campaigns where they were not directly on the ballot. The reports do not specify the locations of the measures, the restrictions involved, or whether every vote will have a binding effect. The count shows how voters responded to the measures, but it does not by itself explain what each result will mean for a particular project.
What could come next
Newly elected Democratic governors and members of Congress are likely to support additional regulation, although the reports do not identify specific proposals. The industry could also face increased government scrutiny beyond data centers.
OpenAI is already trying to rebrand data centers, though the reports do not say how. A different name may be easier to agree on than a different set of building rules.