Arizona Constitution Practice Test

How long must one wait after an election to file a recall petition for a legislator?

1. 3 months

2. 6 months

3. 5 days

4. 1 year

The correct answer is: 6 months

The correct answer to how long one must wait after an election to file a recall petition for a legislator is six months. This stipulation is set forth in the Arizona Constitution to ensure that there is a reasonable period for the elected official to perform their duties before they can face a recall effort. It allows constituents adequate time to evaluate the performance of the official, thereby preventing frivolous or hasty attempts at recalling a legislator immediately after an election. The six-month waiting period demonstrates a balance between accountability and stability within the legislative process. While some options suggest less time, such as five days or three months, they do not provide sufficient time for constituents to assess the actions of their elected representative following the election. The option of one year is also excessive, as it would significantly extend the waiting period and hinder the ability of voters to respond to perceived issues with their legislators in a timely manner.