AZ SB1481

Amends Arizona law to allow the governor to appoint a person to fill a U.S. Senate vacancy, who must be of the same political party as the vacating senator and shall serve until the next general election.

If a Senate vacancy occurs after the nomination deadline in section 16-311, the appointed person continues serving until a special election is held in November the following year.

For U.S. House vacancies where the next general election is not within six months, the governor must call a special primary and general election within specified timeframes (primary 80-90 days after vacancy, general election 50-60 days after primary).

Establishes accelerated filing and court challenge deadlines for House special elections, requiring nomination papers within 30 days and court challenges within 5 business days.

Directs county election officials to mail early ballots within 48 hours of receiving a complete request, beginning 15 days before the election date.