Data center development reached local ballots across the United States in 2026. In its November 4 tally, Ballotpedia said 47 of at least 50 tracked measures had been decided; in 46 cases, majorities favored outcomes that placed more limits on development.
What the count includes
The tracker covers local measures throughout the year, and they do not all ask the same question. Some results approved restrictions or requirements; others rejected proposals that would have supported development. They are not one nationwide ban. Three measures remained pending in the tally.
Attitudes before the election
In a Pew Research Center survey conducted September 28 to October 4, 61% of registered voters said they disliked elected officials who support building data centers in their area. That is a survey response to a particular question, not an election result. The scope and effect of each local decision still need to be examined separately.
