We were able to take a deep breath and enjoy a brief break from politics and electioneering, but now that the calendar has turned to 2024 that stuff is back in big way. In Redmond, in Deschutes County, in Oregon and all across the country voters will have their say on a plethora of important matters this year.

Here in Redmond, we will vote for mayor and to fill council seats and on possible changes to the city charter. Later in the year we may vote on levies for the school and recreation districts — and maybe others. County races will range from commissioners to sheriff, while state races will decide Redmond representatives in Salem. There will likely be a number of ballot measures as well. The competitive congressional district that covers Redmond is also up for election. And, oh yeah, in November we’ll again choose the leader of the free world.

Whew. Hope everyone has the brain space for all that.

Luckily, those decisions will be split somewhat between May primary and the November general. And local voters will not have to wait until November to have a say in significant political decisions.

As we reported, city of Redmond voters will decide if they want term limits for mayors and councilors and also if they want to double the length of the mayor’s term. Councilors on Feb. 13 confirmed a third question will go before voters as well. If passed, it would forbid members of the same household from serving together in elected city government. Expect lots of discussion on the pros and cons of these measures in these pages going forward.

In May, there’s a real race for sheriff for the first time inn nearly a decade as William Bailey and Kent Vander Kamp face off. The winner will replace current sheriff Shane Nelson, who has held his position since 2015.

There’s also a big race for a spot on the Deschutes County Commission — position 2. The race can be over in May if one candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote. If no one gets an outright majority, the top two voter getters will face off in November. Current filed candidates include incumbent Phil Chang and challengers Samuel Facey, Rob Imhoff and Judy Trego.

There will be a primary race on the Democratic ticket to decide who will face off against incumbent Lori Chavez DeRemer for a U.S. House seat. It’s possible it will be a rematch with Crooked River Ranch resident Jamie McLeod-Skinner, but other Democrats in the region want to take their shot. The election will likely have national importance as the power in the House is expected to hang on a razor-thin margin.

Partisan voters will also be able to vote in precinct committee people of their party of choice, either Republican or Democratic.

Then we’re on to November and a whole another batch of races to analyze and discover. But don’t sleep on the May primary this year. There are lots of important issues and races that deserve your time and attention.

And despite the snow this week, May will be here before you know it.