Voters Decide 2026 Ballot Measures on Data Centers, Abortion and a Billionaire Wealth Tax

Voters across the United States decided scores of ballot measures in the 2026 midterm elections on Tuesday, with data center limits and abortion among the most prominent issues. Communities voted on 41 data center initiatives in 10 states, and at least 33 voted to keep data centers out, according to Data Centers on the Ballot. At least six voted to ban construction and halt planned facilities. Only Harwood, North Dakota, rejected restrictions, and most measures were in Ohio. On abortion, Idaho voters defeated Proposition 1, which would have created a right to reproductive freedom, and Missouri voters defeated a repeal of their 2024 abortion-rights amendment, projected 55 to 45 percent. Virginia and Nevada voters passed abortion amendments. Before the vote, the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center's Chris Melody Fields Figueredo cited more than 145 initiatives nationwide, including California's billionaire wealth tax. Open Secrets projected nearly $12 billion in spending, and The New York Times reported Elon Musk spent $474 million to help Republicans keep Congress.

The Federalist (right) frames the night as a bad one for conservatives, citing heavy Republican losses even in red states. It tallies measures by outcome, calling Idaho's result a win for the unborn and Missouri, Virginia and Nevada setbacks. It does not mention data centers. The New Republic and The Atlantic (left) cover only data centers. The New Republic's headline says all ten states voted to ban them, though its text counts 33 of 41 and one industry win. It adds that AI firms spent millions in Ohio. The Atlantic's headline calls it Silicon Valley's very bad night. Democracy Now! (alternative) differs: it previews initiatives on democracy, voting and LGBTQ+ rights, and features Musk's spending and Texas candidate James Talarico's remarks.