Image Credit: Courtney Roberts Durrett / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Democrat Knox County Commissioner Courtney Durrett openly admitted to breaking Tennessee law by voting in a Republican primary election and encouraging others to do the same, sparking sharp critique by Republicans and calls for prosecution from the county GOP.
A few days ago, Durrett posted a video of herself on social media explaining why she voted in the Republican primary and urging others to also do so, saying in part, “This was the only way I would have a say in my county Sheriff and my county clerk. Both of those seats do not have a Democratic candidate, so when this Republican primary is over, and we narrow it down to one person for each of those seats, that’s it, they will be the only person for that election. So really, this Republican primary is where those two seats are chosen.”
She continued, “I wanted to ensure that if my Democratic candidates did not win, that the Republican candidate who would take office will work across the aisle and work for all Knox County, not just members of the Republican party. There are candidates who are actively saying right now that they have zero interest in working with Democrats. Refusing to work with people who have differing viewpoints than you is not leadership, that’s performance for a base. We need to ensure that both candidates who show up on the general election ballot in August are there to represent everyone, not just those that view things the same way.”
Since 1972, Tennessee law has technically prohibited voters from requesting a primary ballot for a party of which they are not a “bona fide” member. And while it is a misdemeanor offense to participate in “crossover voting”, enforcement is nearly impossible as there are no enforcement mechanisms and bona fide status is left up to the parties to determine.
In response to Durrett’s flagrant disregard for the law, the Knox County Republican Party has formally requested Knox County District Attorney Charme Allen investigate the matter and prosecute accordingly. Party Chairman Martin Daniel confirmed this appeal to the DA in a press release sent to The Tennessee Conservative outlining the allegations.
“Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 27115(b), participation in a political party’s primary is limited to voters who are bona fide members of that party or who intend to affiliate with that party. The Party asserts that this statute restricts participation in Republican primaries to Republican voters. The Party further states that encouraging individuals who do not meet these criteria to vote in a Republican primary constitutes solicitation of unlawful conduct,” the release reads.
“According to information obtained by the Knox County Republican Party, Commissioner Durrett—an elected Democrat—voted in the ongoing Republican primary and has publicly encouraged other Democrats to do the same through social media posts. Democrats have been unable to find candidates to run in their own primaries, and this is an intentional effort by Democratic officeholders to influence the outcome of the Republican primary.”
“The Knox Republican Party alleges that Commissioner Durrett’s actions constitute multiple violations of Tennessee law, including:
- Unlawfully voting in a primary election. under Tenn Code Ann. § 2-7-115
- Unlawfully voting in an election, a felony under Tenn. Code Ann. § 219107
- Soliciting others to commit a crime, under Tenn. Code Ann. § 3912102”
Several citizens also spoke at the Knox County Commission public forum on April 27, with “speaker after speaker calling out the recent illegal voting act performed by Commissioner Courtney Durrett,” and “railing against Durrett’s action, with several encouraging [the District Attorney] to prosecute Durrett.”
Conservatives and members of the State Executive Committee of the Tennessee Republican Party have been pushing elected representatives in the statehouse to create official party affiliation designation to ensure primary elections are truly closed, but those calls have remained unanswered as attempts across multiple legislative sessions to pass a party affiliation bill have failed, including the 2026 versions.
Depending on if the Knox County DA chooses to pursue the lawbreaking of Commissioner Durrett, it could give Republican lawmakers, particularly in the House, the needed push to finally pass legislation securing Tennessee primary elections. But given the 2026 session has just concluded, any efforts on this front will have to wait until the General Assembly reconvenes in early 2027.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
