The Amish and Voting: An Overview
As the 2024 election draws near, discussions about the Amish community’s voting habits continue to surface. Historically, Amish voters participate at significantly lower rates than the general population. However, when they do choose to vote, they predominantly support the Republican Party. This pattern has prompted political campaigns and outreach efforts dating back to the early 2000s, notably during George W. Bush’s campaigns, with recent initiatives by the Amish Political Action Committee (PAC). While their voting influence has often been limited, the growth of the Amish population—particularly in Pennsylvania—renders their potential impact more significant in recent years. This ongoing focus raises questions about how best to engage this unique community in the electoral process.
1. The Potential Impact of Mail-In Voting on Amish Participation
One of the most promising developments aimed at increasing Amish voter turnout is the adoption of mail-in ballots. Scott Presler, a prominent figure in voter outreach efforts, emphasizes that making voting more accessible and anonymous could motivate more Amish individuals to participate. He explains, “I encourage respectful dialogue with Amish communities about voting, offering rides to polling stations or assistance with absentee ballot registration. Many Amish prefer mail-in ballots because they provide a private, confidential way to vote without social stigma or community pressure.”
Mail-in voting could effectively remove practical barriers for Amish voters, especially in communities where social pressures or logistical challenges hinder traditional voting methods. Interestingly, most coverage tends to focus on Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where Amish communities are more receptive and less stigmatized regarding voting. However, there is potential for outreach beyond Lancaster, reaching Amish populations in other counties like Lebanon and central Pennsylvania, where similar efforts could be expanded to bolster engagement.
2. The Influence of Amos Miller and Agricultural Freedom on Voter Motivation
The case of Amos Miller, a well-known Amish dairy farmer involved in a legal dispute over raw milk sales, has garnered national attention and could influence voter motivation this cycle. Miller, a prominent figure in the community, has become a symbol of resistance against government overreach in agricultural practices. His ongoing legal battles with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture—culminating in a raid and restrictions on raw milk sales—have ignited protests and political discourse, especially among conservative and libertarian circles.
Supporters view Miller as a hero who fights for “agricultural freedom” and personal choice. During a recent rally, then-President Donald Trump’s supporter Scott Presler publicly called on Amish communities to defend their rights, including voting for leaders who uphold these values. Miller himself remains undecided publicly about voting but has expressed admiration for candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who advocates for farm-to-consumer freedoms and has endorsed Trump. Miller, a father of eight and grandfather of two, views voting as a personal decision rooted in faith and community priorities. He states, “We trust in God and look to Him to guide us, but I am registered to vote and plan to support Trump this November.” His case has significantly raised his profile as a defender of traditional Amish values, potentially motivating like-minded individuals to participate more actively in the upcoming election.
Is 2024 the Turning Point for Amish Voter Engagement?
Many political strategists and researchers are optimistic that this election could mark a new phase in Amish political engagement. Scott Presler, who has relocated to Pennsylvania specifically to coordinate outreach efforts, targets a goal of mobilizing between 5,000 to 10,000 Amish voters—a substantial increase from the estimated 2,000 to 3,000 who participated in 2020. His team hopes to recruit as many as 20,000 Amish voters, which could influence close races, especially in key swing states like Pennsylvania.
Supporting this optimism, Steven Nolt of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College notes a significant uptick in Amish voter turnout during the 2020 presidential election. Cross-referencing voter registration data with church directories revealed that approximately 2,940 Amish individuals voted out of over 4,000 registered, more than doubling the figures from 2016. Researchers suggest that targeted efforts and improved mobilization strategies contributed to this increase, indicating a potential trend toward higher participation among Amish communities.
While ambitious, these efforts aim to convert the community’s political influence into tangible electoral support. Whether this will translate into a large-scale shift remains to be seen, but the momentum and strategic outreach could very well shape the outcome of the 2024 election in favor of candidates aligned with Amish values and priorities.