As we look ahead to November’s elections, Braintree Patch is devoted to bring you the information you need about every race in town. Here's our start on the candidates and issues we'll be covering as November draws near. Bookmark this page for updates.

Voting Info

• Polling locations: To find your polling location and precinct, go to http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.aspx.

• Absentee ballot information:http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleifv/howabs.htm.

• How to register (deadline Oct. 17): http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleifv/howreg.htm.

Races

LOCAL:

Rep. Mark Cusack, D-Braintree: The first-term representative is running again to represent the 5th Norfolk District, consisting of Braintree, Precinct 1 in Holbrook and Precinct 3 in Randolph. A potential Republican opponent, Paul Boback of Braintree, dropped out despite collecting nomination signatures.

STATE:

Sen. Scott Brown, R-MA: Brown is running against Democratic challenger Elizabeth Warren for the Senate seat formerly held by Ted Kennedy. The first-term lawmaker has visited Braintree multiple times, to announce fire grants, participate in a reading program at Hollis Elementary School and visit some local businesses.

Elizabeth Warren: The Harvard professor is challenging Republican Scott Brown. She visited Braintree to talk with union workers at Emerald Hall in April.

Governor's Council Candidates: A few locals have thrown their hats in the ring for this race, including Patrick McCabe and Brian Clinton, both for District 2.

Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-MA: Lynch is running for his sixth term, now in the new 8th Congresssional District. He does not face a primary challenger, but Republicans Boston businessman Joe Selvaggi and Iraq war veteran Matias Temperley are contending for the seat. Lynch has visited Braintree many times, including recently to speak at the Memorial Day ceremony.

NATIONAL:

Ballot Issues

Question 1: "An Act to Protect Motor Vehicle Owners and Small Businesses in Repairing Motor Vehicles"—This initiative would require all car manufacturers to provide—on an equitable fair-market value subscription basis —all diagnostic and repair information for model years beginning in 2015 to owners or an owner’s designated in-state independent repair facility (not affiliated with a manufacturer or its authorized dealers). The law would also make available for purchase information for model years 2002 through 2014.

Question 2: "An Act Relative to Death with Dignity"—This initiative would allow physicians to prescribe medication to terminally ill patients that would end their lives. The act would require that patients are mentally capable of making this decision and orally communicating it to a doctor on two occasions 15 days apart. Participation by a doctor or health care facility would be voluntary.

Question 3: "A Law for the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana"—This initiative seeks to legalize the use and cultivation of marijuana as a medical drug. It calls for no penalties for "qualifying patients, physicians and health care professionals, personal caregivers for patients, or medical marijuana treatment center agents for the medical use of marijuana."

Talk Politics on Braintree Patch!

Whether you’re a candidate announcing a bid, a local writer who loves talking politics or a resident who wants to express support for a candidate or issue, the place to do it is on Braintree Patch.

• Candidates can submit press releases directly to Braintree Patch by first creating a free user account, which gives you the ability to share news and comments on any Patch across the country, every time you log in. Post press releases about upcoming events, initiatives and campaign updates through the Announcements page, and post local events to the Calendar.

• Letters to the Editor from Braintree residents can be submitted to joseph.markman@patch.com on any subject—just include “2012 Election Letter” in the subject line. All letters must have the writer’s full name and local address and a contact phone number for verification purposes. Only the name and street will be posted on Patch. Letters should keep to 400 words or less—longer letters may be published as guest columns; contact Braintre Patch Editor Joe Markman for information. Letters will be accepted up to one week before the relevant election or primary. Questions? Call Joe at 781-413-6157.

• Blog! Braintree Patch is looking for local residents who are interested in writing about political issues, whether it’s the 2012 State Election races, ballot initiatives or ongoing issues. Write as much as you like as often as you want, on any subject that piques your interest. For more information, see this guide to blogging on Patch or contact Editor Joe Markman. Or just visit the Local Voices page to get started.

Editor Becca Manning contributed to this guide