Best of the Westside FAQ
We’re thrilled that you’re interested in the Best of the West Side celebration! Here, we’ve gathered answers to the questions we get asked the most, so you can fully enjoy the experience:
What exactly is the Best of the West Side?
The Best of the West Side is our way of spotlighting the remarkable businesses and organizations that contribute to making the West Side an even better place to call home.
How does Westside Connect determine the winners of Best of the West Side?
Participating is easy! During the nomination phase (September 13-30, 2023), you can nominate your favorites across numerous categories using our simple online ballot. This is the first exciting step!
The five businesses that receive the most nominations in each category will advance to the second part of the competition – the Final Voting Phase! You can cast your votes from October 1-31, 2023.
The businesses with the most votes become the proud winners of the Best of the West Side title for the year.
Why is there a two-round process?
Our nomination round ensures that as many deserving businesses as possible get a chance to shine in the spotlight that Best of the West Side provides.
How can I participate in the nomination round?
Between September 13-30, it’s your chance to show your favorite local businesses some love. If you don’t spot your preferred business in a category, it means they haven’t been nominated yet. Encourage your customers to nominate them in the relevant categories, and watch their names pop up on the ballot!
Just a quick heads-up: there might be a slight delay before you see the nominations.
Remember, more nominations boost the chances of moving to the final voting phase. So, rally your customers to nominate – it’s like a friendly “primary election”!
Why hasn’t my nomination appeared on the ballot yet? What gives?
Each write-in nomination is reviewed by our dedicated team to ensure accuracy – from correct spelling to selecting the right category and being within the eligible area. With the huge influx of nominations, it takes us some time to meticulously go through them all. Rest assured, every single nomination will be counted and tabulated before the voting begins on October 1!
Nominations will be disqualified if the nominee does not have a physical address in one of the following cities:
- Newman
- Gustine
- Crow’s Landing
- Santa Nella
- Stevenson
If you’d like to lend a hand, double-check that your nominations are spelled correctly, fit the category, and fall within the eligible area (Santa Nella to Crow’s Landing). Your support is deeply appreciated! 😊
When do nominations kick off and wrap up?
You can start submitting write-in nominations from September 13, 2023, until September 31, 2023.
How often can I nominate a business?
Feel free to nominate a business once per category.
Is there a fee for businesses to get nominated?
Absolutely not! It’s totally free to participate. While we do offer options to boost your business’s visibility, purchasing advertising doesn’t guarantee any outcomes in the contest. If you’re interested in getting your business logo on the ballot, you can click here to request our media kit.
What if my business category isn’t listed?
Your input is invaluable! We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for future ballots. This contest is all about you, so drop us an email at promotions@209multimedia.com with your ideas. Our ballot committee will take them into consideration for this year’s or future ballots.
Do advertisers automatically win?
No siree! The Best of the West Side results are solely based on reader votes. While some winners may be advertisers or choose to become advertisers later, advertising doesn’t guarantee a victory.
We’re committed to maintaining the integrity of this contest because it holds immense value for our community. Just so you know, we do NOT sell votes. Any questionable activity will be swiftly addressed – cheaters never prosper! (And we can spot them.)
How can I promote my business to gather nominations?
Check out our Best of the West Side nomination toolkit, packed with flyers, graphics, and savvy marketing tips to help spread the word.
Where’s the “submit” button? How do I know my nominations are counted?
No worries about a final “submit” button. When you hit “NOMINATE” and enter your email address, your selection is recorded. No extra steps needed!
I’m having registration issues. Help!
As you start nominating in your chosen category, you’ll be prompted to complete a registration form. Once that’s done, you’re registered and can continue voting on the ballot. If you encounter hiccups, you might want to try a different browser or device.
Can I save and return to the ballot later?
Absolutely! As long as you’ve registered in that round and it’s before the deadline, you can pick up where you left off. If you come back using the same device, you should be automatically logged in and see your previous picks. If you’re not logged in, click the “Already participated in this round…” link for guidance.
Can I continue on another device?
Sure thing! If you switch devices, click the “Already participated in this round…” link for instructions.
Why create an account?
Our ballot system requires an account to track your selections. It helps us ensure the voting process’s authenticity and lets you revisit your choices before the deadline for updates and more nominations. No passwords needed – we’ve got you covered!
How do I find out who wins?
The winners will be unveiled in a special edition of The Tuesday Review newspaper in December. Plus, you’ll be able to see them on the online ballot shortly thereafter.
We’re excited to have you join us in celebrating the Best of the West Side! If you have any more questions or thoughts, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy nominating and voting! 🎉
