Voters mostly don’t like AI and data centers, but neither party seems to have an edge

Voters in your area may soon face increased local opposition to new data center projects.

A recent poll conducted by The New York Times and Siena University reveals significant public opposition to the construction of data centers for AI technology. The survey of 1,503 likely voters in early September found that 61 percent oppose such construction, with only 14 percent expressing strong support. Opposition was relatively even among likely Trump voters, but stronger among those who voted for Kamala Harris or did not vote. Among those opposed, 56 percent favored limits on data centers, while 38 percent preferred a total ban. Key reasons for opposition include environmental concerns like water usage (32 percent), impact on local communities (21 percent), general dislike of AI (18 percent), and regulatory or economic issues. Despite this opposition, AI and data centers are not high-priority issues for most voters when deciding their midterm vote, registering less than one percent importance for most demographics except younger voters. When asked which party could better handle the issue, Republicans held a slight edge (42 percent) over Democrats (40 percent).

The broad public disapproval of AI data centers, driven by environmental and community concerns, indicates a growing regulatory challenge for the tech industry. This sentiment transcends party lines, suggesting that any politician, regardless of affiliation, faces pressure to address these issues. The data highlights a disconnect between the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and public acceptance, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and stricter permitting processes at local and state levels.

While AI and data centers are not top-tier voter concerns currently, the strong negative sentiment suggests this could become a more prominent issue. Companies involved in AI development and infrastructure may need to proactively engage with communities and address environmental impacts to mitigate future opposition. The political landscape indicates that parties will likely leverage this public sentiment, potentially leading to policy changes that could affect the pace and location of future data center development.