Push to get Amish on board the Trump Train

Push to get Amish on board the Trump Train

The US election is running incredibly close, and the candidates are fighting for every voter they can get.

Groups often marginalised are now getting a lot of attention, such as those in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania - Amish country.

Republicans want them to trade their horse and buggy for a seat on the Trump Train.

The Amish are so devout, they shun much of modern life - no TV, no car, no electricity. But they can vote, and that could be crucial in deciding the swing state.

While they politely declined coming on camera, several said more Amish would be voting than ever this election before heading back to their quiet life.

Back in the political maelstrom, though, there's plenty of noise.

FBI director James Comey has announced the new investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails he just opened nine days ago is now closed.

It came just as she was endorsed by NBA superstar LeBron James.

But Donald Trump isn't giving up.

"Hillary Clinton is guilty. She knows it. The FBI knows it. The people know it," he said.

"And now it's up to the American people to deliver justice at the ballot box on November 8."

And Republicans are hoping the Amish deliver for Mr Trump.

Elam Stoltzfus was raised Amish and says he's never seen such an interest among the Amish in a political race.

This election, there's even an Amish super PAC - a political action committee with one goal - get Mr Trump elected.

"Amish support Trump because he wants to eliminate the inheritance tax, so they can transfer the farms to the next family, to their kids," Mr Stoltzfus says.

There are around 70,000 Amish in Pennsylvania, an estimated 40,000 potential voters. The Republican target is 20 percent - 8000 voters.

The objective is to swing the county, swing the state, swing the election. In 2000 George W Bush won Florida - and the presidency - by just 537 votes.

Rural Pennsylvania is 80 percent white - Mr Trump country - with lots of hate for Ms Clinton.

And because Amish don't have cars, Republicans will drive them to the voting booth.

"Twelve-hundred people have responded," says Mr Stoltzfus. "Tuesday's a wedding day - we'll transfer them from their weddings to where they'll vote.

"That's how important this election is."

It's an election where every vote really will count.

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