Arizona Constitution Practice Test

On which day do general elections typically occur in Arizona?

1. The first Monday in November

2. The first Tuesday in November

3. The last Tuesday in October

4. The first Wednesday in November

The correct answer is: The first Tuesday in November

General elections in Arizona are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This timing is in accordance with federal law, which establishes that all elections for federal office—including those for the presidency and Congress—should take place on that specific day. The rationale for this timing dates back to the 19th century when the U.S. Congress set the date in 1845 to provide uniformity across the nation. This approach meant that elections would never fall on the first day of the month, which was typically associated with bills being due or market days, causing potential inconvenience for voters. By establishing elections on the first Tuesday, local communities can better accommodate voter turnout since it generally falls post the majority of harvest activities while avoiding the complications of early-week events or holidays. Understanding this historical context highlights the importance of the timing of elections in facilitating participation and ensuring a smooth electoral process.