Rep. Leger Fernandez Slams ‘Save Act:’ ‘The Only Thing They Want to Save Is Their Electoral Butts’

Rep. Leger Fernandez delivered a fiery rebuke of the SAVE Act, accusing its proponents of prioritizing their political survival over voter access. In a pointed critique, she declared, “the only thing they want to save is their electoral butts,” arguing that the legislation imposes undue burdens on voters, particularly women with caregiving responsibilities.

The New Mexico Democrat highlighted the practical challenges the bill would create, emphasizing the need for in-person voter registration. “But more importantly, you need to now go register in person,” Fernandez stated. She painted a vivid picture for constituents in her district, noting, “if you’re a woman who has caregiving responsibilities for your children, how are you going to take the time off to drive?”

Fernandez detailed the geographic hurdles in her rural district, where residents might face significant travel demands. “In my district, you’re going to have to drive maybe two hours each way. So four hours round trip just to go register in person during the county clerk’s office hours,” she explained, underscoring the time commitment required during limited office hours.

According to the congresswoman, these requirements would not only complicate the process but also increase costs for potential voters. “They’re making it more expensive, more difficult to register to vote,” she asserted, framing the SAVE Act as a deliberate barrier to participation.

Fernandez linked the legislation to broader political motivations, suggesting it stems from unease among its supporters about their standing with female voters. “Because they know that their policies are not popular with women, and women are going to vote them out of office,” she said. “And so they just want to keep us from registering to vote.”

Her opposition is clear and resolute: “And that’s why we are attacking the save act, because it’s going to be more expensive, more difficult to register and to vote.” Fernandez’s remarks, captured in a recent video excerpt, amplify Democratic efforts to challenge the bill on grounds of voter suppression.