“The League of Women Voters is deeply concerned by the President’s decision to initiate unprovoked military action against Iran without prior congressional authorization. 

“This is not about the character of any individual involved. It is about constitutional authority and the dangerous subversion of our system of checks and balances. 

“The Constitution clearly assigns the power to declare war to Congress, an authority that was intentionally ignored. When a president goes around Congress to initiate military action, it is not a sign of strength. It is executive overreach and dangerous to Americans, both domestically and abroad.

“The President’s recent actions fit a broader and alarming pattern of stretching emergency powers that pushes those limits toward rupture. By invoking emergency powers, bypassing legislative oversight, and concentrating authority in the executive branch, these patterns risk weakening the safeguards of our republic and eroding the accountability that protects against overreach.

“There are no verified threats to our elections that justify extraordinary or unilateral action. Repeated claims of foreign interference used to rationalize expanded executive authority have been investigated and disproven. Escalatory actions like this only heighten instability abroad and deepen division at home.

“Congress must immediately assert its constitutional role, demand transparency, and reaffirm that decisions of war and peace cannot rest with one administration.

“But accountability does not start or stop in Washington. It lives with the American people.

“The 2026 primary elections begin tomorrow in Texas, Arkansas, and North Carolina. In moments like this, voters have the opportunity and the responsibili