Indiana Republican State Representative Joanna King is pushing Amish community to vote in upcoming election

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Indiana Republican State Representative Joanna King is encouraging members of the Amish community to vote in the upcoming election, saying their voices matter when it comes to protecting their religious freedoms and way of life.

King's connection with the Amish community is also personal. She grew up Amish and remained part of the community until the third grade.

After joining the Indiana General Assembly in 2020, during Covid-19 pandemic, King says conversations with Amish residents about religious gatherings and government restrictions helped strengthen that connection. 

She describes the Amish community as family oriented and committed to protecting their freedoms that allow them to practice their religion and maintain traditions. 

"They are deeply committed, family-oriented people. They love this country that they get to live in. They love the freedoms that they have in religion, and they just want to make sure that those are protected. And so, there's been ongoing conversations of how they can ensure that those stay there" says King.

She has encouraged members of the Amish community to become more involved in elections and use their votes to express their concerns.

"And one of the things that I've posed to them many times is, let your vote be your voice. Speak out by voting. And so, we're starting to get more engagement from the Amish."

King says many in the community want to protect their religious freedoms while limiting government involvement in their personal lives and businesses.

King hopes more eligible Amish residents will participate in the upcoming election and make their voices heard.