In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a recent scene captured the intersection of traditional Amish life and modern American politics: an Amish man in a horse-drawn buggy passing a billboard urging, “Pray for God’s Mercy for Our Nation.” The billboard, featuring the iconic Amish straw hat and sponsored in Pennsylvania German as “Fer Die Amische,” left no doubt about its target audience. This raises a key question: Why Did The Amish Vote This Year?
While the Amish are known for their separation from mainstream society, reflected in their distinct dialect and horse-and-buggy transportation, they are now increasingly becoming a point of focus in American elections, especially in swing states like Pennsylvania. This article delves into the complex reasons behind Amish voting trends, exploring the historical context, political outreach efforts, and the factors influencing their participation in the democratic process.
An Amish buggy driving through Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, illustrating the blend of traditional lifestyle and modern settings.
The Traditional Amish Stance on Voting: Separatism and Two Kingdoms
Historically, the Amish have largely abstained from voting, rooted in their theological principle of separatism. This “two-kingdom” theology emphasizes a distinct separation between the earthly realm of government and the spiritual kingdom of the church. For most Amish, their primary citizenship lies in this heavenly kingdom, leading to a general avoidance of political engagement.
Steven Nolt, director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College in Lancaster County, an expert in Amish society, confirms this long-standing tradition. “For most Amish history and in most Amish communities today, Amish people don’t vote,” Nolt states. This historical abstention is a cornerstone of their community identity, preserving their unique way of life and values.
Political Campaigns Target the Amish Vote in Pennsylvania
Despite the prevalent non-voting tradition, a notable shift is occurring. Political campaigns, particularly Republicans, are increasingly targeting the Amish community, especially in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state. Recognizing the potential impact of even a small voting bloc in close elections, Republicans are employing various strategies to reach Amish voters.
These efforts include billboards specifically designed for the Amish, newspaper ads, door-to-door canvassing, and community meetings. U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa., whose district encompasses Lancaster County, highlights this targeted outreach. “They just want government to stay not only out of their businesses but out of their religion,” Smucker explains, emphasizing the Republican alignment with Amish values of limited government and religious freedom.
A billboard in Lancaster County, PA, in Pennsylvania Dutch, urging Amish to consider voting, reflecting political outreach efforts.
Why Republicans Believe Their Message Resonates with Amish Voters
Republicans believe their core tenets of smaller government, less regulation, and religious freedom resonate deeply within the Amish community. This alignment is further strengthened by the evolving economic landscape of Amish society.
Congressman Smucker points out the shift from a primarily agrarian Amish community to one increasingly involved in small businesses. “It was once more agrarian, but they’ve long ago run out of land in Lancaster County,” he notes. For Amish entrepreneurs, the Republican emphasis on limited regulation and reduced government interference in business is particularly appealing. Additionally, the perception of the Republican party as stronger on religious liberty and anti-abortion stances further solidifies this connection.
The Limited, Yet Significant, Impact of Amish Votes
Despite the targeted campaigns and potential increase in Amish voter turnout, experts caution against exaggerating their electoral impact. While every vote counts, especially in a swing state, the Amish vote is unlikely to dramatically alter election outcomes.
Steven Nolt estimates that in 2020, approximately 3,000 Amish voted in the Lancaster area and several hundred more elsewhere in Pennsylvania. Even a significant percentage increase in voter turnout would still translate to a relatively small number of additional votes. As Nolt clarifies, “Even if we would imagine, for example, that here in Lancaster, there would be a tremendous percentage in percentage terms … we’re looking at several hundred to maybe a thousand additional voters.” In a state decided by tens of thousands of votes, the Amish vote, while not insignificant, remains a limited factor.
Factors Influencing Amish Individuals to Vote
While the majority of Amish abstain from voting, individual choices and evolving community dynamics contribute to the small percentage who do participate. Wayne Wengerd, Ohio state director of the Amish Steering Committee, acknowledges this diversity within the community. “The Amish are just like any other people,” Wengerd states. “Not everyone thinks the same.”
Local context also plays a role. Rural Lancaster County, with its historical Republican leanings, influences the political preferences of Amish individuals who do vote. Steven Nolt notes that “Rural Lancaster County has for generations voted Republican, and so it’s also not surprising that any Amish who do vote would be influenced by their neighbors’ preferences.” Consequently, most Amish voters who register tend to affiliate with the Republican party.
Divergent Theological Views on Civic Engagement
Even within the Amish community, theological interpretations regarding civic duty vary. An anonymous ad in a Lancaster newspaper, authored by an “Amishman” from Ohio, exemplifies this contrasting viewpoint. The ad argues that refusing to vote is a failure to “stand against evil,” suggesting a civic responsibility rooted in scripture.
However, Steven Nolt points out that this perspective aligns more closely with mainstream Reformed Protestantism, which emphasizes a Christian’s duty to both God and country, rather than traditional Amish two-kingdom theology. This internal theological debate highlights the complex factors influencing individual Amish decisions regarding voting.
The Broader Context: Trump, Harris, and Amish Values
Ultimately, the question of why did the Amish vote this year is nuanced and multifaceted. While political outreach efforts might encourage some to participate, the fundamental principles of Amish separatism and two-kingdom theology continue to shape their overall approach to voting.
As Steven Nolt astutely observes, neither major presidential candidate fully embodies Amish values. “Donald Trump’s life is very different from an Amish person’s life, but so is Kamala Harris’,” Nolt notes. This inherent distance from mainstream political figures further explains the continued low voter turnout within the Amish community.
In conclusion, while targeted political campaigns are attempting to mobilize Amish voters, and a small percentage may indeed vote, the historical, theological, and cultural factors underpinning Amish separatism suggest that their overall electoral impact will remain limited. However, in closely contested swing states like Pennsylvania, every vote matters, and understanding the nuances of Amish voting behavior offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of faith, culture, and American politics.
