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

According to a new poll released Tuesday by the New York Times and Siena University, American voters express significant skepticism toward the expansion of artificial intelligence and the construction of the data centers required to support it. The survey, which polled 1,503 likely voters, indicates that 61 percent of respondents oppose the development of these facilities, highlighting a growing friction between the rapid advancement of AI technology and public sentiment regarding its physical infrastructure.

The findings suggest that the unpopularity of these projects cuts across traditional party lines. Despite the intense focus on AI development within the technology sector and its increasing role in the global economy, the poll indicates that neither major political party has managed to gain a clear electoral advantage by positioning themselves on the issue. This lack of a partisan edge suggests that the concerns—which often center on environmental impact, energy consumption, and local land use—are viewed by the electorate as a broader societal challenge rather than a strictly ideological one.

As politicians and policymakers continue to navigate the integration of AI into the national infrastructure, these results may signal a shift in how such projects are approached. With public resistance mounting, tech companies and government officials face increasing pressure to address the concerns of local communities regarding the footprint of data centers. The survey underscores that while AI remains a priority for industry leaders, the physical reality of the technology is meeting with significant pushback from the public.