Voters reject data centers on Election Day as 44 ballot measures to restrict them pass

Voters across the United States decisively rejected data center projects in Tuesday's midterms, with 44 ballot measures passed to restrict or ban such developments. In Ohio alone, voters approved 21 measures out of 41 statewide initiatives targeting data centers. Despite initial concerns and media hype about data centers' impact on the election, key issues like data center development did not significantly sway voter decisions in Texas and other states. Gina Hinojosa won the governorship of Texas, promising an immediate moratorium on data center projects, adding to the momentum against such facilities. Democrats spent over $100 million on ads highlighting Republicans' ties to Big Tech, securing victories in crucial races like Ohio. The election results suggest that the AI and data center backlash could slow down or halt numerous proposed projects across the U.S., impacting industries reliant on rapid technological growth.