As we look ahead to November’s elections, Canton-Sixes Patch is devoted to bring you the information you need about the hottest contests in Cherokee County. Here are a few of the races and issues to watch. Bookmark this page for updates.

School Board Vice Chairwoman Janet S. Read vs. Danny Dukes: For the first time, voters will get to elect the chair of the Cherokee County Board of Education. Before Gov. Nathan Deal signed a controversial redistricting measure that created the elected chair position, school board members appointed a chair and vice chair. This will be a contest between two of the key players in the county's divisive school choice debate. 

House Resolution 1162: Gov. Nathan Deal chose Cherokee's first charter school as his platform to sign House Bill 797, which will restore the state charter schools commission if voters approve House Resolution 1162. The constitutional amendment, which will be voted on in November, asks voters if the state should have full authority to approve and fund local charter schools. Cherokee school board members voted 4-2 during its April 19 meeting to endorse a resolution that urges Georgians to reject the amendment, which they fear will take away from local districts. 

July 31 Transportation Referendum: Across metro Atlanta, supporters and opponents of a 10-year, 10-county transportation sales tax are blitzing voters with their messages. Though projects intended to relieve traffic congestion in Cherokee would be funded through the proposed tax, the referendum has not been received well at town-hall meetings in Cherokee.

Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) vs. Brandon Beach: One of the most powerful politicians in the state faces opposition from Brandon Beach, who represents Cherokee, Cobb and North Fulton on the State Transportation Board. Can Rogers, whose campaign has dealt with one public relations nightmare after another in recent weeks, survive the challenge?  

Sheriff Roger Garrison vs. David Waters: Garrison's pursuit of a sixth term will be tough. One of his SWAT snipers fatally shot 16-year-old Andrew Messina during a May 1 standoff in the Eagle Watch subdivision, a decision that outraged some residents who wondered if the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office could have employed other negotiation tactics. And that same month, the Fraternal Order of Police endorsed Waters, Garrison's opponent.

Board of County Commissioners: Post 2 Commissioner Jim Hubbard faces challenges from not one, but two people: attorney Channing Ruskell and Raymond Gunnin, who retired as the county's fire chief last year. Meanwhile, Post 3 Commissioner Karen Bosch said she will not seek a third term. Republicans Chris Hampton and Brian Poole are running for that seat.