The distinct lifestyle and set of values of the Amish community often prompt modern society to ask why the groups we know of as "Amish" do not seem to participate in something as basic as the American political system. We all must understand, though, not just the audience questing after a reason for the plain dress and absence of modernity, to see what the political engagement of the Amish is really about. If you perceive a value or a set of values as sacred, as the Amish do with their (and our) religious traditions, whatever right was achieved in a secular society is achieved primarily as it allows for the (re)enshrinement of those sacred values. So, yes, they might be seen as apolitical. And yes, we can talk about appearances. But the perception is really a mirror for us to see into and for the Amish to see into themselves.

The Amish have for a long time maintained a policy of non-resistance and pacifism, with roots that go back to their religious convictions. How these affect their governance and politics is rather straightforward. Many Amish individuals view any kind of government involvement as potentially leading to conflicts with their faith—mainly because they see it as tempting them to do something that's contrary to living a life that's all about following God's orders and not getting sidetracked by civic duties. Following that logic, then, some Amish communities even discourage voting as a way to keep the temptation to be involved with government's "good side." Is it true, then, that the Amish don't vote? Well, yes and no. It's true that many groups of Amish don't vote, but in some places—especially where the Amish communities are growing in numbers—certain Amish groups are starting to engage with "the system" more and more. Why? Because they're recognizing that policies passed by elected officials can and do affect them—land use policies, education laws, and health care rules are ways in which government actions impact the communities of certain Amish groups.

The choice to vote often hinges on the individual beliefs and practices of distinct Amish communities. Conservative Amish groups, like the Old Order Amish, might be disinclined to cast ballots—while more progressive communities might align with the idea of voting as a faithful expression of civic engagement. To them—again, often for reasons laid out in their understanding of the Bible—voting is part of a sustainable means of ensuring that their unique way of life is maintained. In addition, the Amish consult with each other when making the choice to vote. Among different sects, there might be diverse opinions about the holiness of associating with the political process. Again, this influences whether or not a community might show up at a polling place on Election Day.

Amish voting patterns are now being influenced by the same forces that affect the rest of American society. Like all Americans, the Amish have been deeply affected by the incursions of the modern world into their lives. The Amish way of living has always required an unfaltering commitment to both the personal and community levels. They have long adopted a "hands-off" approach to the political world, preferring to pay more attention to the private and community levels, where institutions and values can have a direct impact on life. This association with the private and community spectrum has allowed many Amish to live free from the disruptions that too much "governmental good" can bring when the government oversteps its bounds. However, discontent can fester when the boundary between the private and the public lifeworld is not respected, and that discontent can sometimes find a channel in the voting act.

To sum up, the Amish have historically shunned the democratic process, but that seems to be changing among some sects. Their decisions about the election reflect a complex interplay of faith and community and their need to protect their lives in an ever-changing world. They are becoming more politically engaged and are starting to understand that their way of life can be profoundly affected by government policy and political decisions. Just as the American landscape keeps evolving, so too does their relationship with the electoral process.