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 work registering Amish voters. The data shows that while 2024 saw the highest number of registered Amish voters since 2004, voter turnout was actually lower than in 2020, contradicting Presler's boasts.

Why it matters

Presler, who has a controversial history, has often claimed credit for boosting Republican numbers through his voter registration drives across the country. This study undermines those assertions and raises questions about the legitimacy of his activism.

The details

The research found that in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, there were around 17,490 Amish residents in 2024, with 4,454 registered to vote and only 2,568 actually casting ballots. This represents a lower voter turnout rate than the 18.17% seen in 2020. The study also noted that only 488 new Amish voters were registered in Lancaster County prior to the 2024 election, contradicting Presler's claims.

  • In 2020, around 18.17% of eligible Amish voters in Lancaster County voted.
  • In 2024, Amish voter turnout in Lancaster County dropped to 14.68%.

The players

Scott Presler

A far-right activist who has claimed credit for 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 study, calling Presler a "MAGA grifter" and noting that the data shows his claims about "delivering" Pennsylvania for Trump are false.

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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, Pennsylvania voting rights attorney (X)

The takeaway

This study undermines the credibility of Presler's claims about his ability to influence election outcomes through voter registration drives, raising questions about the legitimacy of his activism and the accuracy of his public statements.