The 2014 general elections are just around the corner, with voters going to the polls on Tuesday.

But unless you live in Hayden and surrounding communities, most of this year’s races are pretty much decided already.

Republican Gov. Robert Bentley is considered a heavy favorite in his re-election bid over Democratic challenger Parker Griffith. Other “down-ballot” races are equally tilted in favor of GOP candidates, including Gary Palmer’s bid to replace U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus, who’s retiring after 11 terms in Congress.

One local election that’s contested is a referendum to establish a West Blount Fire District, which would result in homeowners paying mandatory fire dues of $150 per year.

That would replace the current voluntary donations to West Blount Fire and Rescue; department officials say those donations don’t even come close to covering their expenses.

The campaign effort in favor of the district has been generally well-received, according Tim Sosebee, a member of the department’s board and the chairman of its election committee.

“I tell people that are on our committees to treat every election, no matter it it’s six months away or a week away, like you’re 100 votes behind with a week to go,” Sosebee said. “If they think this is in the bag, it’s not. You’ll never forgive yourself if you lose by just a few votes.”

About 6,000 voters are eligible for this referendum, Sosebee said, but with the only other contested local race being that for Blount County Sheriff — incumbent Loyd Arrington faces challenger Ryan Fortenberry, a deputy in Cullman County — voter turnout is expected to be low.

Much of the debate over the referendum has taken place online, especially on Facebook. Sosebee’s committee has that covered.

“We have people who are monitoring Facebook, and are under orders to be professional and not engage in any kind of personal attacks,” he said. “Those who have issues, we personally invite them to attend one of our fire board meetings to tell us what problems they have. Only one person took us up on that, and he left before saying anything.”

In Jefferson County, incumbent Republican Commissioner Joe Knight, whose district covers most of the northern part of the county, faces opposition from Ron H. Bishop, a Libertarian from Irondale who entered the race at a late date.

Jimmie Stephens, the county commission incumbent whose heavily-Republican district includes Mt. Olive, faces a challenge from Democrat Vivian Ford and Libertarian Eric Calhoun.