Native Vote 2026
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, Native News Online conducted an online survey last week to gauge readers’ views on data centers and artificial intelligence (AI).
Across the country, data centers and AI have become hot-button issues in the midterm elections. These issues are meaningful to Native News Online readers as well. Among those who took the survey, 77% said data centers and AI are important when evaluating candidates’ positions on issues.
In response to a question about whether they support data centers on or near their tribal communities, 75% of respondents said they are opposed.
The Native News Online survey results were consistent with responses to a national survey conducted September 11–14, 2026, by Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research. That survey found that 71% of respondents opposed building AI data centers in their area, with 46% strongly opposed, while just 52% favored locating them in remote areas.
Among those who took the Native News Online survey, 91% said tribal nations should have a great deal of say in decisions about data centers or AI projects that could affect their lands, natural resources, data or communities, including the ability to withhold consent when tribal rights are affected. Another 7% said tribes should have a great deal of say through tribal consultation and formal agreements.
Water consumption, energy use, and environmental impact are the biggest concerns respondents have about data centers. 70% said they feel very negatively about the growing development of data centers in the U.S. 41% said they are familiar with the role of data centers in powering AI tools and other digital services. When asked how they feel about the growing use of AI in everyday life, 56.9% said they feel very negative, with 6% saying they feel very positive.
In response to a question asking respondents to identify any benefits, if any, of AI for Native people and tribal nations, 40.7% said education and research, 38.1% said health care and health research, and 30.1% said tribal language preservation. Among those who took the survey, the primary concerns about AI are misrepresentation of Native peoples and cultures; misuse or exploitation of Indigenous knowledge, stories, and cultural materials; and threats to privacy and tribal data sovereignty.
Some survey respondents added additional comments, with many expressing ethical concerns about AI.
One survey taker wrote: “Tribal Nations should not be involved in data centers and AI because of the negative effects on their land, water and air – the environment and the people living there.”
Others wrote favorable comments, with one respondent writing: “Yes, I am very familiar with data centers, I worked at one for eight years. There have been tremendous updates and upgrades to ensure the environment and people are safe near a data center. I live across the street from a data center, it has no negative impact on my daily life.”
Even after the midterm elections, as data center development and AI development continue, the survey indicates Native News Online readers will have lingering questions relating to the protections of tribal lands and communities.
The survey had 115 respondents who participated in an online survey conducted by Native News Online staff from October 14 – 18, 2026. Approximately one-third of respondents did not disclose any tribal affiliation.
