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Will Amish Voters Be the Deciding Factor in OH & PA?

Nov. 6, 2012 3:51pm Billy Hallowell

When one considers groups of likely voters, the Amish probably aren’t the first cohort to come to mind. To begin, this highly-religious, often secluded community generally avoids heading to the polls. However, in a highly-contested election cycle, considering all that’s at stake, there’s a grassroots effort afoot to court these individuals in both Ohio and Pennsylvania (two, important swing states).

Considering the religious community’s isolation, the choice to engage the Amish may seem curious. But, considering that approximately 60,000 adherents reside in Pennsylvania and another 60,000 in Ohio, their votes, especially in a close race, are precious. And considering that the Amish tend, on the rare occasion they vote, to align with conservatives, courting this population could greatly benefit Republicans.

Will Amish Voters Be the Deciding Factor in OH & PA | 2012 Election

Photo Credit: AP

Realizing the political power present within the Amish sphere, Sue Ann Miller, a resident of Lakeville, Ohio, decided to actively engage the cohort. WORLD Magazine has more:

Although Miller grew up Methodist, her husband’s parents were Amish (he can still quite literally “speak the language”—Pennsylvania Dutch), and she’s comfortable herself chatting with the Amish at flower and vegetable markets.

She’s so comfortable that not long ago she stepped up on a political soapbox during a conversation with an Amish man: “I kind of shook my finger at him and said, ‘You know, if you Amish would vote we wouldn’t have Barack Obama as president.’”

The man put his head down and answered, “I know.”

So, Miller got together with two friends and they decided to take action, printing up 400 to 500 fliers and setting up a table at local auctions and blood drives (the Amish frequently donate blood). The pamphlet, aimed at encouraging the group to vote, read, ”Do you pray for your garden? Of course you do. But you plant, cultivate, and harvest the fruit of your labor as well. This November your country needs you to do more than pray.”

Photo Credit: AP

Aside from providing these resources, Miller and her friends educated the Amish about Obama’s views on abortion, gay marriage and other related issues. When they became aware of these stances, many, Miller reports, were concerned. WORLD continues:

At a typical auction or blood drive, some Amish took the flyers, and some—perhaps a dozen on average—filled out voter registration forms. Others walked by, ignoring them. A man on a bicycle was enthusiastic. According to Miller, he came “barreling” up the road after hearing about the voter drive and stopped at the table so he could register, too. [...]

Miller hopes Amish concern for marriage, religious freedom, and the sanctity of life will motivate large numbers to walk or ride a carriage to the polls, or mail in absentee ballots, perhaps giving Republican candidate Mitt Romney the few extra votes he needs to win Ohio.

“This election is crucial for your family for generations to come,” Miller told the Amish who stopped at her table over the past several weeks. “They all agreed with me.”

Read the entire WORLD report here.

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Comments (67)

twicemodern
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 7:59pm
Read here how WorldMag threw Dinesh D’Souza (2016 filmmaker) under the bus.Too bad they tried to put a wedge in between Evangelical voters so they will not vote for Romney. A very dangerous group this WorldMag.Why did they “expose” D’Souza 2 weeks before the election.He did more for America in waking the citizens up about Obama’s agenda than anyone else did at the time! Do not believe me but read it.

http://twicemodern.wordpress.com/2012/10/18/dinesh-dsouza-and-world-magazine-who-is-next/

http://twicemodern.wordpress.com/2012/10/18/the-clever-pharisees-and-dinesh-dsouza/

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JohnnyFree
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 7:55pm
We run a furniture store in upstate NY and I pick up furniture from the Amish in PA once a month. Last election they mostly stayed out of the game, but every one of the guys I talked with this season said the are voting for Romney. One of the guys and I had a long talk and he said they have been holding meetings and are talking with the whole community about voting. They are awake to it now and realize they need to vote.

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TellMeTrue
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 6:42pm
The Amish AND the evangelicals are coming. I heard several reports today that the evangelicals are waking up…the people of God are a force to be reckoned with.

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Metallicat
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 6:00pm
I hope all Gods people are motivated to evict the current evil,corrupt,liar occupying the Whitehouse.

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pureheart
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 5:51pm
The amish are legal citizens of the USA.

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NILAP
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 5:43pm
I am surprised that Romney did not directly reach out to them, visit an Amish community. Maybe he did but I have not heard of this. 60 thousand is quite a constituency and definitely could make a difference in OH and PA.

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- Mil Mom
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 10:47pm
  @NILAP
  obama’s ag dept is currently prosecuting the Amish for selling unpasteurized milk in the DC area, and for transporting uninspected canned goods across state lines when one Amish family took home canned jelly to family members in another state for a housewarming gift. They made them dump them all out on the roadside.
  
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jb0112
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 5:38pm
The Amish here in Indiana probably didn’t vote. I have driven Amish. Gas prices are a big problem with them!! I have tried to talk politics with some, but they are completely unaware, most of the time. No way would they vote democratic.

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TommyJH54
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 5:02pm
Why do people act like the Amish are Neanderthals. These people are no different than you and me. They read the paper and listen to the radio and, believe me, many are better educated in many ways including politics. I know. I worked for some Amish for a number of years. We “English” could learn a lot from them. If it makes some of you feel better, most Amish ARE conservative.

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- iampraying4u
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 5:04pm
  I hope so.
  
  Report this comment
- turkey13
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 5:18pm
  The Amish are one of the few people that have common Horse sense.They tend to keep their heads out in the sunshine, rather than stuck where the sun don’t shine. Unlike most Democrats that are led around with a ring thru their noses. I taught mt 3 sons to be leaders , rather than followers and they are in early 30′s and own, a 1500 acre rance, their own construction company, and a oil conmpany.
  
  Report this comment
- Chet Hempstead
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 5:19pm
  Do they understand that those papers that they read are not printed using hand-set type? Because if they do, then they are different from me, because the principles that I choose to live by, whether you agree with them or not, are logically self-consistent.
  
  Report this comment
- Git-R-Done
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 5:46pm
  Chet – Since when have your so-called principles ever been consistent? You whine about conservatives being intolerant yet you’re intolerant towards groups of people who aren’t like you.
  
  Report this comment
- Chet Hempstead
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 6:19pm
  Git
  I have neither whined nor shown intolerance. I have criticized those with whom I disagree and expressed my reasons for that disagreement. That’s what these comments sections are here for,
  
  Report this comment
- Git-R-Done
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 9:14pm
  Chet – You’re the one who’s saying how the Amish are different from you.
  
  Report this comment
- Chet Hempstead
  Posted on November 7, 2012 at 2:38am
  I did, and they are. What’s intolerant about that? I think their beliefs are ridiculous, but I have never suggested that they should not be free to live by them or to pretend that they are living by them.
  
  Report this comment
Git-R-Done
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:55pm
The Amish tend to have 6 to 7 kids and they also have very high retention rates of them staying in the Amish community. So I wouldn’t be surprised to see them become a powerful voting block in the future.

Especially since the rest of the country has a much lower birthrate on average.

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- iampraying4u
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 5:33pm
  After 5oclock you will see a lot more votes go Rep because Rep work
  
  Report this comment
KangarooJack
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:49pm
Go Amish!!!!

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- WarMunger_Al
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:58pm
  She should have pointed out the Government assaults on their liberty, like the FBI milk busts and other attempts to control people who create their own food.
  
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JACKTHETOAD
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:44pm
On Caleb and Jacob, on Mordecai and Daniel…HO HO HO! It feels like Christmas, doesn’t it? God Bless!

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neverending
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:24pm
They just might get out and vote because as with everyone else dear plick barry has given them hard times as well.

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two4america
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:24pm
Well God bless them, voting for their values!

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Gonzo
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:22pm
If Romney loses, the RNC may have us VOTING for an Amish candidate next time . LOL

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- OhioRifleman
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:55pm
  That may not be as bad a thing as it sounds.
  
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mrunner
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:19pm
God Bless the Amish. I will never forget the reaction they had to that massacre a few years back. These are truly righteous people. Informed righteous people really have only one choice when it comes to this ballot.

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- Redfor
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:32pm
  I agree, when I heard that they ALL forgave the man for killing their kids… I was in complete awe, I only wish my faith was that strong. If I were in their situation I would have wanted to kill the guy. I have nothing but deep respect for tha Amish. Good people.
  
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- Goldi-lox
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 11:02pm
  Amish are good, God-fearing people with solid roots and sound horse-sense. The country could do a lot worse than use the Amish as role models… and it obviously HAS!!!
  
  Watching the election returns tonight, am absolutely astounded at how many people are STILL being DELUDED by the DEMS, voting against their own best-interests, shooting themselves (and all of us) in the foot. Does not bode well at all for America.
  
  GO AMISH! As for them being “ugly,” as one jackelope (being polite) here posted, you obviously have not seen Kate, Sabrina and Rebecca on the “Breaking Amish” television series! LOL. (Even Abe is adorable; although Jeremiah is a bit of a full-of-himself simpleton.)
  
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Bearfoot
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:16pm
Why did Jesus Christ and his Apostles refuse to get involved in the politics of the Roman Empire?
If they refused back then, would true Christians refuse in today’s politics?

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- OperationNorthwoods
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:25pm
  Do you think the Romans cared what the Jews had to say about their politics? They were ruled by an emperor and his appointed governor. I don’t think they had much say in who ruled over them.
  
  Report this comment
- Bearfoot
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:36pm
  Yes, the Romans did care about Jewish sentiments. Why else did the Roman governor Pilate agree with the execution of Jesus? He wanted to keep favour with the Jews to avoid a stain on his governing abilities. And the apostle Paul was a Jew, and a Roman citizen, as were many other Jews. All Jews were not Christian, just a minority were.
  
  Report this comment
- Bearfoot
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:45pm
  That account is found at Matthew 27:11-26
  
  Why did Jesus not make a defence for himself?
  
  Report this comment
- Gonzo
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:56pm
  When you are God incarnate, some things are below you. You’re not, so vote.
  
  Report this comment
MaleneSBrown
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:16pm
I always wondered if they voted. Now I know. Glad many are this year.

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The-Monk
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:11pm
Obama and crew should have left their raw milk alone…..

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- The-Monk
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:14pm
  On second thought…. I’m glad Obama and crew messed with them.
  
  Vote Romney Amish. : )
  
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- Thatsenough
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 9:05pm
  Liebe Amish und Mennonite Brüder und Schwestern…
  Bitte stimmen Sie Ihr Gewissen! Vielen Dank und Gott segne Sie!
  Dear Amish and Mennonite Brothers and Sisters…
  Please vote your conscience! Thanks and God bless you!
  
  Report this comment
Pork_Anvil
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:04pm
Yes, but did the Romney operatives talk to the Amish about how Romney/Ryan plan to rape the very land that Amish people depend on? Of course not!

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- The-Monk
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:10pm
  Wow Etchy…….. that was a really long lunch!
  
  Tick tock, tick tock…. EtchySketchy
  
  Your 5 pm deadline is approaching….
  
  Report this comment
- mcsledge
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:14pm
  Nice choice of words. I guess the counter argument is the sodomy taken on by Americans through Obama’s policies.
  
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- The-Monk
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:20pm
  Hi Mcsledge,
  
  What PorkyEtchy forgets is that his precious UN Agenda 21 is who is doing that.
  
  Report this comment
- mrunner
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:20pm
  So Monk- ya think etchy will be unemployed in the morning?
  
  Report this comment
- The-Monk
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:26pm
  Hi Mrunner,
  
  He did start a bit earlier this morning than usual. They may keep him on-board to say bad things about Romney. We’ll see…. Bwhahahahahahahaha…..
  
  Report this comment
- Fatheroftwo
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:34pm
  Hey George, better hot box that cigarette! Times a flying!!
  
  Report this comment
Max jones
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:04pm
God blesses morality…..Thank you Lord.

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Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:01pm
Ve need der Amish brudders, sisters, and der kin to get der vote out, by godh!

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- cosette
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:12pm
  I’m happy to say the Amish of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Lancaster County, are both politically astute and active. I’ve never known one to be dismissive or unconcerned. And I’ve never known ONE single Amish Democrat.
  
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justangry
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:01pm
Yeah, but the Republicans are busy bodies too and would raid them in a heart beat for selling non pasteurized milk too. If hey were smart they’d vote Libertarian. We’d actually leave them alone to be free.

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- CMDR6
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:21pm
  maybe you are right, but at this point in the process a vote for the Libertarian is a vote against a conservative trend. rome was not built in a day, and it did not collapse in a day, you gotta take steps in the right direction. go make your vote count, don’t waste it!
  
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- jpndhouse
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:24pm
  Non-pasteurized milk? Yikes…can you say Listeria, or Brucellosis? Salmonella anyone? How about some E. coli?
  
  Shoot…we let these people be free, they are going to naturally selective themselves off the earth!
  
  Report this comment
- Anonymous T. Irrelevant
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:28pm
  I don’t think so. The only stories I can find are when Obama’s FDA had a sting operation to catch Amish selling raw milk. If you have links, show them.
  
  Report this comment
- JACKTHETOAD
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:40pm
  Republican now – Libertarian later. We need to take baby steps for a while. There’s almost 100 years of dem poopy to be cleaned up. They’ve been brainwashin’ since TV came on, and FDR before that.
  
  Report this comment
- justangry
  Posted on November 6, 2012 at 6:25pm
  Just how are we supposed to change the party gradually from within when they shut down our input from at the convention? The establishment is large and in charge and they’re going to rule the GOP the way they see fit. Besides, I’m a Libertarian so I voted for the Libertarian candidate. The GOP doesn’t reflect my values. They’re nothing but a bunch of progressives that believe they can decide which rights I have. No thanks. That’s contrary to the very definition of what RIGHTS are.
  
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Creativethinker
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 4:00pm
Good! We need the Amish to vote conservative to counter all of the democrap fraud!

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NO_MORE_OBAMA
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 3:59pm
I wonder if the amish feel like they identify closer to a liberal marxist or a morman?

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honestynow
Posted on November 6, 2012 at 3:59pm
Yay!

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