Study Debunks MAGA Activist's Claims of Delivering Pennsylvania for Trump

Research shows Amish voter turnout in 2024 was lower than 2020, contradicting Scott Presler's boasts.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A new study from Elizabethtown College has effectively demolished claims by far-right activist Scott Presler that he secured Pennsylvania for former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election through his voter registration efforts in Amish communities. The data shows that while Amish voter registration increased, actual turnout was lower in 2024 than in 2020, undermining Presler's boasts.

Why it matters

Presler has built a reputation as a MAGA activist who can boost Republican voter numbers through grassroots efforts, but this study calls into question the impact and effectiveness of his methods. It also raises concerns about the spread of misinformation and unsubstantiated claims around election integrity.

The details

The research from Elizabethtown College found that while 2024 saw the highest number of registered Amish voters in Lancaster County since 2004, voter turnout ended up being lower than in 2020 - around 14.68% in 2024 compared to 18.17% in 2020. The data shows that only about 488 new Amish voters were registered in Lancaster County prior to the 2024 election, far short of the impact Presler has claimed.

  • The 2024 presidential election took place in November 2024.
  • The Elizabethtown College study was published in February 2026.

The players

Scott Presler

A far-right activist who has boasted about securing Pennsylvania for Donald Trump in the 2024 election through his voter registration efforts in Amish communities.

Jake Sternberger

A Pennsylvania voting rights attorney who responded to the Elizabethtown College study on X, calling Presler a "MAGA grifter".

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What they’re saying

“MAGA grifter Scott Presler claims his Amish voter registration efforts 'delivered' PA for Trump. This analysis shows that in Lancaster just '488 new Amish voters were registered in 2024 prior to the election' and Amish 'voter turnout ended up being lower than the 2020 election'.”

— Jake Sternberger, Voting rights attorney (X)

The takeaway

This study casts doubt on the effectiveness and impact of Presler's voter registration efforts, undermining his claims of single-handedly delivering Pennsylvania for Trump. It highlights the need for scrutiny of unsubstantiated election-related boasts, especially from controversial political activists.