Signature collection begins on challenge to large-scale rezoning plan.
Frederick, MD (JK) – The Frederick County Board of Elections has approved the format of a petition seeking a public referendum on recent zoning changes tied to data center development in the county.
The decision allows the Frederick County Data Center Referendum Committee to immediately begin collecting signatures. The group is seeking to place on the ballot a challenge to a County Council ordinance that rezoned 838 acres of farmland for data center use and created a 2,614-acre data center overlay zone.
Organizers say the referendum is intended to give residents a direct voice on whether additional data centers should be built in the county. To qualify for the ballot, the committee must gather approximately 15,000 valid signatures from registered voters.
The committee was formed just three weeks ago and has already organized 275 volunteers to help with the effort. More than 150 of those volunteers have completed required petition circulation training.
Signature collection will take place across Frederick County over the next two months. The deadline to submit petitions to the Board of Elections is March 20, 2026.
By Jimmy Key