Voters mostly don’t like AI and data centers, but neither party seems to have an edge
NYT/Siena poll of 1,503 likely voters finds 61% oppose AI data center construction, yet the issue ranks below 1% among midterm priorities.
A New York Times/Siena University poll of 1,503 likely voters conducted in early September found 61% oppose constructing data centers to power AI, with only 14% strongly supportive. Opposition drivers include environment/water usage (32%), local community impact (21%), and general distrust of AI (18%); 56% of opponents favor limits while 38% want a total ban. Trump 2024 voters split nearly evenly (49% support vs 45% oppose) while Harris voters opposed at 74%. Despite the sentiment, AI and data centers registered under 1% as a top midterm issue for most demographics, and neither party holds a clear trust advantage (42% Republicans vs 40% Democrats).
- 61% of 1,503 likely voters oppose AI data center construction
- Environment and water usage top opposition reasons at 32%
- Trump voters split evenly; Harris voters 74% opposed
- AI ranks below 1% among voters' most important midterm issues
- Party trust split: 42% Republicans, 40% Democrats, 18% unsure
From the original article
2 min read at theverge.com
Poll data released Tuesday by the New York Times and Siena University confirms what we've already been seeing, and what politicians are responding to - AI and data centers are incredibly unpopular.
By Richard Lawler · theverge.com
A short excerpt; the article and its images belong to the publisher. Summary, key facts and assessment above are AI-written from the article and can be wrong.