The image of an Amish buggy navigating a busy intersection, juxtaposed with a billboard urging “Pray for God’s Mercy for Our Nation,” perfectly encapsulates a growing curiosity: Why Did The Amish Vote For Trump? For a community known for its separation from mainstream society, symbolized by their horse-drawn carriages and distinctive attire, the idea of political engagement, especially with a figure as polarizing as Donald Trump, raises questions.
While it’s crucial to understand that most Amish do not vote, adhering to a long-standing tradition of separatism rooted in their religious beliefs, the question of why some might lean towards a candidate like Trump is worth exploring. This article delves into the nuances of Amish political engagement, examining the factors that might lead a minority within this community to cast their ballot, particularly for Donald Trump.
The Amish Tradition of Political Detachment
Historically, the Amish have maintained a distinct separation from the broader political landscape of the United States. This detachment stems from their “two-kingdom theology,” which emphasizes a separation between the earthly realm of government and the spiritual kingdom of the church. For most Amish, their primary focus is on their faith, family, and community, with earthly politics viewed as a distraction from their spiritual mission.
This theological stance translates into low voter registration and participation rates within Amish communities. Researchers like Steven Nolt, director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College, confirm that voting is not a common practice among the Amish. For generations, abstaining from voting has been a hallmark of their commitment to a life set apart from the secular world.
Republican Outreach and Shared Values: Why Trump Appealed to Some Amish Voters
Despite the prevailing tradition of non-participation, Republican campaigns have increasingly targeted Amish communities, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania, where a significant Amish population resides. The GOP’s outreach is predicated on the belief that certain Republican talking points resonate with Amish values.
Key Republican messages that find traction within parts of the Amish community include:
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Limited Government and Less Regulation: The Amish value self-sufficiency and independence. Republican calls for smaller government and reduced regulation align with their desire to minimize external interference in their businesses and way of life. As U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, who has Amish family background, notes, they want the government “out of their businesses but out of their religion.” With a growing number of Amish moving into small businesses as farmland becomes scarce, this message gains further appeal.
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Religious Freedom: Religious liberty is a core tenet for the Amish. They perceive the Republican party as a stronger advocate for religious freedom and a protector against policies that might infringe upon their religious practices. This concern for religious freedom, coupled with broader anxieties about societal changes, may have drawn some Amish voters towards Trump, particularly given his strong support base among conservative religious groups.
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Opposition to Abortion: The Amish community holds strong pro-life beliefs. The Republican party’s staunch anti-abortion stance aligns with these deeply held convictions, making it another point of connection for some Amish voters.
Why Trump Specifically? A Complex Calculation
While Republican values generally align with certain Amish principles, the specific appeal of Donald Trump requires further consideration. Trump, a figure known for his unconventional style and often controversial rhetoric, might seem an unlikely candidate to attract voters from a community valuing humility and tradition.
However, several factors could explain why some Amish individuals might have voted for Trump:
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Broader Conservative Christian Support: Trump garnered significant support from conservative Christians across various denominations. Amish voters, influenced by similar conservative values, might have been swept up in this broader wave of support, focusing on shared stances on issues like religious freedom and abortion, while perhaps overlooking or downplaying other aspects of Trump’s persona or policies.
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“Stand Against Evil” Argument: As highlighted by an ad from an anonymous “Amishman,” some within the community might feel a sense of civic duty to “stand against evil.” This perspective, though not traditionally Amish, suggests a belief that political action is necessary to protect their values and way of life in a changing society. For some, Trump may have been perceived as the candidate best positioned to do this, despite his personal flaws.
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Local Republican Influence: Lancaster County, a major Amish settlement, has historically leaned Republican. Amish voters, even those only marginally engaged in politics, are likely influenced by the political leanings of their surrounding communities. Voting Republican might be seen as aligning with their neighbors and the broader conservative atmosphere of the region.
The Limited Impact and the Broader Picture
It’s crucial to reiterate that even with targeted outreach, the Amish vote remains a small fraction of the overall electorate. Experts like Steven Nolt emphasize that the number of Amish voters, even in areas with significant populations, is unlikely to dramatically shift election outcomes. While every vote counts, the Amish vote is not a decisive factor in swing states like Pennsylvania.
Furthermore, the Amish community is not monolithic. Wayne Wengerd of the Amish Steering Committee points out, “The Amish are just like any other people. Not everyone thinks the same.” There is diversity of opinion within Amish settlements, and voting preferences are likely varied.
In conclusion, the question of “why did the Amish vote for Trump?” is multifaceted. While most Amish abstain from voting due to their religious principles of separation, a minority may be motivated to vote, influenced by Republican outreach, shared conservative values, and perhaps a sense of civic duty in specific circumstances. However, the Amish vote remains a limited factor in the larger political landscape, and generalizations about their political preferences should be approached with caution, recognizing the diversity within this unique community.
