Editor's note: Calhoun Times is still compiling candidate's photos and will continue to gathering candidate information, which will go to press at a later date.

At the close of qualifying Friday, May 25, there were 23 Republican candidates, one Democratic candidate and one non-partisan candidate in Gordon County for the primary election held July 31.

Additionally, 11 incumbents are vying for reelection out of the 12 seats available for election in Gordon County.

Listed in no particular order are the qualified candidates for the July Gordon County primary election.

For Sheriff, are Republican incumbent, Mitch Ralston and Republican James E. (Jim) Banks Jr.

For Clerk of Superior Court, are Republican incumbent, Brian Brannon; Republican, Tommy Greeson; Republican, Jonathan Vaughn; and Republican, and Grant Walraven.

For Coroner is Republican incumbent James Carver, unopposed.

For County Commissioner District three, representing Calhoun, are Republican incumbent, Alvin Long and Republican Norris Sexton.

For County Commissioner District one, representing the Southwest corner of the county including Plainville, are Republican incumbent Judy W. Bailey, and Republican Jeff Gazaway.

For County Commissioner District five, representing eastern parts of the county such as Fairmount and Ranger, are Republican, Tom D. Bledsoe Sr., Republican Kevin Cunningham and Republican Sam Jewett.

For Chief Magistrate, are Republican incumbent John C. Leggett; Republican Larry D. Black, Republican Jason Fuller, Republican Ricky Silvers, Republican Kevin P. Smith and Democrat Scott Haynes.

For non-partisan Probate Court Judge, is incumbent John R. (Richie) Parker, unopposed.

For School Board post two, representing the Resaca and Hill City area, is Republican incumbent Brenda L. Null, unopposed.

For School Board post four, representing the Calhoun area, is Republican incumbent Scott Williams, unopposed.

For School Board post six, representing the Fairmount, Ranger, and Oakman areas is Republican incumbent Chris Johnson, unopposed.

For Tax Commissioner is Republican incumbent, T. Scott Clements, unopposed.

Voting for the local primary race, July 31, will determine who will run for office in each party, in the general elections in November, according to Gordon County Board of Elections Director Shea Hicks.

In offices with three or more candidates, one candidate must get 50 plus one percent of the votes. In the instance percentage is not attained, due to numerous candidates for one office, a run-off will be held August 21, 2012.

The winning candidate of the run-off if necessary, will be presented on the ballot for his or her party in the general elections in November.

Gordon County citizens will choose a party ballot in the July primaries, according to Hicks, but in the general elections in November, citizens will be able to “criss-cross” parties when voting.

In order to vote, residents of Gordon County must be registered voters.

“The last day to be registered to vote or to have your name or address changed before the July primary is on Monday, July 2,” said Hicks. “Early voting will begin on July 9, and will end July 27.”

Additionally for early voting in the primary elections, Saturday voting will be held at the Gordon County Court House Annex, Saturday, July 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday voting will not be held at the regular voting precincts, and will only be available in the Gordon County Board of Elections office.

For questions, contact the Gordon County Board of Elections at 706-629-7781.