Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett faced backlash after calling low voter turnout disrespectful to Americans who served in the military. In a barn video, the Republican said only 12% of the population votes and urged people to participate. Critics questioned Congress’s record, with some threatening to vote Burchett out instead.
The remarks came in a video posted on X ahead of early voting. His caption read, “Don’t stay at home, folks. Early voting starts Wednesday.”
In the video, he described how his wife and daughter clean the barn twice daily throughout the year. He called the waste “a load of horse crap” before applying the same description to low voter turnout.
“When only 12% of the population votes,” he said, “you spit in the eye of people like my dad.” He explained that his father fought for the country and his uncle died for it. However, he did not specify which election the 12% figure represented.
Tim Burchett Faces Backlash Over Tennessee Voting Appeal
Several users turned his call for voter participation into a warning about their own voting decisions.
“We won’t stay at home and will vote you out,” one user wrote. Another turned Burchett’s comparison against Congress, saying, “Well you know that you all in that dadgum congress only go to work about 12% of the year and that is alot of horse crap.”
Others expressed frustration with their political choices. “Will do. As a former Republican, I will be voting Blue down the ticket,” one user stated. Another rejected participation entirely, writing, “Sorry. I’m staying home for the first time since 2006 when I turned 18.”
However, some supported Burchett’s appeal and encouraged others to participate. “Thank you Tim! Please get out and vote folks!” one wrote. Another pledged Republican support, declaring, “I will be there voting red down the ballot Wednesday!”
Whether Burchett’s appeal will change voter participation remains unknown. Early voting will provide the next indication of turnout.
