A Game Changer In Pennsylvania Votes | The Amish Community Rallies To Vote For Trump And Arrives In Horse Carriages!

By Kushani Gunathilaka
November 6, 2024
12:17 GMT-0830
A Game Changer In Pennsylvania Votes | The Amish Community Rallies To Vote For Trump And Arrives In Horse Carriages!

The Amish community in Pennsylvania is a group not typically seen at polling stations. Known for their simple, reserved lifestyle, they rarely engage in politics. However, a recent incident involving the government’s intervention at an Amish farm has created a shift. A raid on Amos Miller’s farm in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, for selling raw milk products sparked a historical movement among the Amish. Many Amish saw this intervention as government overreach. It ultimately led them to register to vote in unprecedented numbers. Quite surprisingly, they were showing strong support for Donald Trump. Symbolically, they arrived at polling stations in horse-drawn carriages. Let’s dive into the details and what their thoughts on the election.

Amish Voting Patterns and Their Political Stance

Historically, Amish voter participation has been low. Cultural and religious beliefs often keep them from engaging in politics. They tend to focus on community, family, and faith. In 2004, however, there was an increase in Amish voter turnout, especially in support of George W. Bush. This interest faded over time, with a noticeable drop in 2016 and 2020.

The Amish have deeply rooted values centered around religious freedom, family bonds, and minimal government interference. These principles often align more closely with conservative views, which advocate for smaller government.

Image source: dispatch

The Amos Miller Incident: A Tipping Point for Amish Involvement

Amos Miller, a dairy farmer in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, became the center of a controversy. Miller’s farm, known for selling raw milk products, was raided by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture following reports of illnesses linked to raw dairy. Miller defended his practices, citing religious beliefs as his reason for not adhering to FDA regulations. The Amish saw the raid as an overstep by the government, a threat to their way of life and beliefs. This incident became a rallying point. The Amish community supported Miller and decided that it was time to make their voices heard.

A source close to the situation explained, “That was the impetus for them to say, ‘We need to participate.’ This is about neighbors helping neighbors.” The event spurred the Amish to register to vote. Many intended to support Donald Trump as a candidate who they believe values less government intervention.

The Influence of Key Figures and Grassroots Campaigns

The Amish community’s sudden interest in voting was supported by various political figures and organizations. They recognized their potential influence in Pennsylvania. Scott Presler, a conservative activist and founder of Early Vote Action, took a proactive approach. He visited the Amish communities and helped with registration. Presler also encouraged mail-in voting, understanding that Amish voters face unique challenges with transportation.

Local Republican groups, particularly in Lancaster County, also worked to engage Amish voters. These groups focused on topics that resonate with the Amish, such as farming rights, religious freedom, and the importance of family. Jondavid Longo, the Pennsylvania director of Early Action Vote, highlighted Lancaster County’s significance, noting, “Lancaster has the highest concentration of Amish citizens in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and we’re really hoping and banking on them coming out to vote.”

These efforts were part of a larger grassroots campaign to mobilize Amish voters. Organizations like Amish PAC have long advocated for conservative values within Amish communities. They aimed to bridge cultural differences and encourage political participation.

@diarioelpolticord

For the first time, the Amish community turns out in large numbers to back Trump. Yesterday, they didn’t even know what a cellphone was, and today they’re guarding the votes the Donald Trump! #fyp #Elections2024 #Trump #Amish #AmishVote

♬ Amish Town – Lynn ‘Chirps’ Smith

Horse Carriages at Polling Locations

The arrival of Amish voters at polling locations in their traditional horse-drawn buggies drew attention to the election unlike anything else. Their appearance at the polls in buggies highlighted not only their unique way of life. However, they also the importance of issues like religious freedom and community independence. For the Amish, voting is a rare act of public engagement. It is often reserved for times when their way of life feels threatened.

Image source: Facebook (Amish) – Amish Carriages heading to polling stations in Lancaster Pennsylvania / The Times / Esquire

Amish Vote in Pennsylvania and Beyond

With Pennsylvania being a crucial swing state, the increased Amish turnout could have an impact on the results. In 2020, Donald Trump lost Pennsylvania by over 80,000 votes, a margin that the Amish vote, though small, could influence if voter turnout in areas like Lancaster County remains high. Predicting the Amish vote remains challenging due to historically low turnout and limited data. However, efforts to support and encourage Amish voters could make a difference in Pennsylvania.

The Amish population, while concentrated in Pennsylvania, is growing in other states as well. Over the past two decades, Amish settlements have expanded to states like Colorado, New Mexico, and even Michigan, where their numbers are on the rise. This westward expansion could mean a growing influence in traditionally conservative areas, potentially shaping future elections.

Image source: The Economist

Conclusion

The Amos Miller incident marked a turning point for the Amish community, motivating them to take action and make their voices heard. This newfound involvement in politics may signal a shift in Amish attitudes toward voting, especially when issues closely tied to their way of life arise. For the Amish, this moment underscores their commitment to community, faith, and independence. Whether this momentum will continue in future elections remains to be seen, but the 2024 election highlights how even a small, traditionally non-voting group can make waves in the political landscape.

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