As the 2024 election approaches, Republicans are intensifying efforts to mobilize the Amish vote in Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state. Conservative activist Scott Presler is leading the charge, aiming to tap into the Amish community’s conservative values to help re-elect President Donald Trump.
Presler has been actively engaging the Amish, many of whom tend to avoid mainstream politics. He believes their participation could be pivotal, stating, “The Amish, if they are mobilized, could literally save Western civilization.” His strategy centers on promoting mail-in voting, a convenient option for Amish voters who prefer privacy and often avoid in-person polling due to community stigma.
Mail-in ballots have proven to be an effective way to engage the Amish. Presler explained that when he introduced the idea to Amish voters, they were enthusiastic about the opportunity to vote without leaving home. “They love the idea of mail-in ballots,” he said, seeing it as a tool that could bolster Trump’s chances in the state.
The GOP is also appealing to the Amish by highlighting government regulations they find intrusive. An Amish farmer in Lancaster County recently had his farm raided for selling raw milk without permits, a situation that garnered attention from Trump Jr. and RFK Jr., both of whom have advocated for the Amish farmer’s right to sell his products.
With 87,000 Amish residents in Pennsylvania and the race tightening, the GOP’s outreach efforts could sway the outcome in this key state. Presler’s Early Vote Action PAC is focusing on registering Amish voters and has already helped flip Luzerne County from blue to red. The stakes are high, and the Amish vote could make the difference.
