Alaskan Resident Condemns SAVE Act as Voter Suppression

Letter criticizes Sen. Sullivan and Rep. Begich for supporting legislation that would hinder voting rights

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A close-up view of an old-fashioned metal ballot box sitting alone on a deserted urban street corner, the box's surface reflecting the warm glow of the sun's rays cutting through the deep shadows, evoking a sense of solemnity and civic duty.A quiet, contemplative scene that captures the tension and uncertainty surrounding voting rights legislation in Alaska.Haines Today

In a letter to the editor, Haines resident Sue Libenson harshly criticizes Sen. Dan Sullivan and Rep. Nick Begich for their support of the so-called SAVE Act, which Libenson argues will undermine voting rights for thousands of Alaskans and millions of Americans. Libenson calls on the lawmakers to show respect for the Constitution and Alaska voters, the foundation of democracy.

Why it matters

The SAVE Act is part of a broader national debate around voting rights and election integrity, with proponents arguing it will secure elections but critics contending it amounts to voter suppression. Alaska is a key battleground in these debates, with its unique geography and demographics posing distinct challenges around ballot access.

The details

In the letter, Libenson accuses Sullivan and Begich of supporting the "needless, so-called SAVE Act" which she says will "hinder thousands of Alaskans and millions of Americans from rightfully voting." Libenson argues the lawmakers should "show some respect for the Constitution, where states set rules for elections, and for Alaska voters, the foundation of our democracy."

  • The letter was published on April 9, 2026.

The players

Sue Libenson

A resident of Haines, Alaska who wrote the letter criticizing the SAVE Act.

Sen. Dan Sullivan

A Republican U.S. Senator from Alaska who supports the SAVE Act.

Rep. Nick Begich

A Republican U.S. Representative from Alaska who supports the SAVE Act.

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What they’re saying

“Sen. Dan Sullivan and Rep. Nick Begich might as well load Lady Liberty with tons of rocks and shove her into the river to drown. Their shameful support of the needless, so-called SAVE Act will hinder thousands of Alaskans and millions of Americans from rightfully voting.”

— Sue Libenson, Haines resident

The takeaway

This letter highlights the deep partisan divides over voting rights legislation like the SAVE Act, with critics arguing it amounts to voter suppression while proponents claim it is necessary to secure elections. The debate has major implications for Alaska, where the unique geography and demographics pose distinct challenges around ballot access.