As we look ahead to this year's elections, Cartersville Patch is devoted to bringing you the information you need about local races and important issues. Here's our start on the candidates and issues we'll be covering as the elections draw near.

Bartow County Commissioner

With five Republican candidates vying to replace Clarence Brown as sole Bartow County commissioner, a runoff following the July primary could be in the cards. The five already have taken the stage for at least three debates. They are Michael Abernathy, Mike Bearden, Tracy Lewis, Steve Taylor and Tony Tidwell.

Bartow County School Board

With one candidate involved in a lawsuit challenging the validity of her appointment and re-election bid and another board member who split with her party and intends to qualify as an independent, two Bartow County School Board seats are up for grabs. A Southern Association of Colleges and Schools complaint filed against fellow board members and budget woes, including a possible increase property taxes, makes this an important election.

Bartow County Sheriff

Bartow Schools' police chief Dan Knowles is challenging incumbent Sheriff Clark Millsap, who is seeking his fourth term. The candidates, both Republican, are set to square off in the July primary.

State Senate District 52

Hayden Collins, a Cartersville resident, is up against two former Floyd County commissioners for the State Senate District 52 seat. The district was redrawn following the 2010 Census, and covers less than half of Bartow, including southern parts of Cartersville.

T-SPLOST

What would a Georgia election round-up be without this hotly contested issue? Eleven Bartow projects made the list of regional transportation projects that would be funded with the 1-cent, special-purpose regional tax, if voters approve.

For more on elections, see our special section, Elections: Participate in 2012.

What is the most important race/issue to you in this year's elections? Tell us in the comments.