1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

I am writing as your constituent to demand a clear, public commitment that you will oppose any attempt—serious or purportedly “joking”—to cancel, delay, suspend, or interfere with the United States midterm elections. Former President Donald Trump has publicly suggested canceling or disregarding elections. When such statements come from a former president, they are not jokes. They undermine constitutional order, normalize authoritarian conduct, and invite real efforts to subvert democratic governance. The law is explicit and leaves no ambiguity. Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution gives Congress, not the president, authority over the “Times, Places and Manner” of federal elections. Congress has exercised that authority by statute. 2 U.S.C. § 7 requires congressional elections to occur on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years. 3 U.S.C. § 1 likewise fixes the date of presidential elections. There is no legal mechanism allowing a president—current or former—to cancel or delay federal elections. Any suggestion to the contrary is false, unconstitutional, and dangerous. As an elected official sworn to uphold the Constitution, you have an obligation to state publicly and unequivocally that: • Midterm elections must proceed as scheduled under federal law (U.S. Const. art. I, § 4; 2 U.S.C. § 7) • Any attempt to cancel or delay them would be unconstitutional and unlawful • You will oppose and resist such actions, regardless of party or political pressure I am requesting a public statement affirming these principles. Silence or ambiguity in the face of these claims is unacceptable. Constituents deserve to know whether their representatives will defend the rule of law when it is openly challenged. Please provide your response and indicate when your public commitment will be made.