Ohio Has Half of US Data Center Ballot Measures in Midterms
Summary
In the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, Ohio has more than half of the data center-related ballot measures nationwide. Voters in eight states will decide on at least 39 local measures about data centers, with Ohio alone having 21 proposals that mostly focus on limiting or regulating large data center developments.Key Facts
- Voters in eight states will face at least 39 ballot measures about data centers in 2026.
- Ohio has 21 of these measures in 18 different local areas, more than half of all measures nationally.
- Other states with measures include Illinois (7), Wisconsin (3), Kansas (3), California (2), Michigan (1), Nevada (1), and Florida (1).
- Most measures ask voters to approve new limits or restrictions on data centers.
- Many Ohio measures focus on banning or regulating data centers that use more than 25 megawatts of electricity.
- Proposed rules include bans, zoning changes, financial guarantees, and requiring public approval before data center projects start.
- The decisions could affect large-scale data centers that use significant amounts of power and water.
- Some Ohio towns also have referendums about rezoning land for industrial use related to data centers.
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