Amish in Indiana Consider Voting Amid Changing Attitudes and Post-Pandemic Context

Indiana state Rep. Joanna King grew up in an Amish family that believed voting went against their faith-based conviction that members should stay separate from the world. This belief, rooted in a commitment to avoid entanglement with secular governance, has historically kept the Amish community from participating in elections. However, recent changes in Indiana suggest this tradition is beginning to shift.

More than 68,000 Amish live in Indiana, the third-largest Amish population in the nation. The largest communities are in LaGrange and Elkhart counties, where around 25,500 Amish reside. In LaGrange County, nearly half of the 41,000 residents are Amish. Some local leaders have noted that the Amish could significantly influence county politics if they chose to vote.

Before 2020, few Amish individuals considered voting. That changed during the COVID pandemic when then-Gov. Eric Holcomb imposed restrictions on religious gatherings. This move sparked debate within some Amish congregations, leading to questions about government authority over religious practices. “That woke up a lot of the Amish people,” King said. “I had people calling me saying, ‘Can the government really do that?’”

Most Amish bishops, who hold authority over congregational decisions, have traditionally discouraged voting. However, since the pandemic, some bishops have softened their stance, allowing members to make their own choices. “They don’t come out and say ‘Don’t vote’ like they used to,” King said. “But every church is going to be different.”

In Elkhart County, some Amish individuals began voting during the pandemic. Six years later, estimates suggest around 10% of Amish in some districts now vote. Those who do often use mail-in ballots to avoid being seen at the polls. Elkhart County Commissioner Brad Rogers, a Republican, noted that this shift has led to increased efforts to engage more Amish voters.

King and Rogers, both Republicans, are working to encourage more Amish participation in elections. They are visiting with bishops to explain the importance of voting and helping register interested members. King, whose district includes Goshen and Middlebury in Elkhart County, acknowledges the reasons some Amish may hesitate to vote. After her family left the faith, she understands the complexities of navigating the world outside their community.

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