- Dozens of public officials across Michigan have faced recall efforts over their data center votes but only recall will appear on the November ballot
- Several of the recall efforts have failed because of problems with signatures or petition language
- Public officials say they have little power to prevent data center development
After 18 years on the Mason City Council, Elaine Ferris faces recall in November over a vote she says was intended to protect her city from data center development, not invite it.
Mason, in Ingham County near Lansing, began working on its zoning ordinance in late 2025 as state and federal officials pushed for more data center development. The goal, Ferris said, was to establish regulations before a developer arrived.
At least 28 officials across eight Michigan communities faced recall efforts over their handling of data center issues, according to a Bridge Michigan tally. But apparently only one official — Ferris — will face a vote on the November ballot that could remove her from office. Other recall efforts failed to reach the fall ballot because of problems with petition language or signature requirements…