US voters reject local AI data centre ballot measures

Voters in the United States rejected all but one of more than 40 local ballot measures on data centres during Tuesday's midterm elections, France 24 reported. The outcome signals a growing political challenge for artificial intelligence infrastructure as Democrats prepare to take control of Congress in January. [1]

The election results follow broader public dissatisfaction with the sector. As FTMQ News reported earlier, a post-election poll revealed that 56 percent of surveyed voters cited data centres as a major or crucial factor in their midterm vote. The same survey showed that 76 percent of respondents would oppose a new data centre built in their local community. [2]

Political leaders are already responding to the public reaction. France 24 reported that incoming governors in Texas and Georgia have called for moratoriums on new data centre projects. [1]

Opposition to artificial intelligence facilities has also extended into Europe. As FTMQ News reported earlier, hundreds of activists participated in a two-day protest across Europe in November 2026, which included about 100 people entering a Microsoft construction site in Amsterdam over energy and water concerns. [3]