Annual Readers' Choice competition voting is now open

Readers' Choice is back!

The time has come once again to cast your vote for the best of the best in Delaware. This is your chance to tell us what you love about Delaware.

The competition is a little different this year. New this year, based on reader feedback, is that we have eliminated the nominations phase. Also, the ballot categories are not pre-populated, so you can write in the name of the business or businesses YOU think deserve to be recognized. All write-in entries will be counted as soon as you hit the vote button. You can vote once per day. Voting ends on August 24, 2018, at 11:59 p.m.

The News Journal and Delaware Online takes pride in the Readers' Choice voting process and are happy to have the community choose their favorite businesses. 

Vote now and vote often! - delawareonline.com/readerschoice

Winners will be announced in a special edition of The News Journal on September 30.
 

Some FAQs ...

How do I register to cast my votes?
Select the category group to view the available sub-categories. Then type in the name of the business(es) you want to vote for. You will be prompted with a registration form before you can submit your vote.

Why do I have to enter my email address/register to vote?
Our system requires a verifiable email address for each vote to ensure that all votes for each category are unique.

What if I forgot my password?
Click the "Already Voted?" text link located in the blue bar. Enter the email address you used to vote and then follow the instructions onscreen to get a new password.

How do I submit my vote?
Just type in the business name you wish and click the vote button. 

How do votes work for businesses with multiple locations?
Businesses with multiple locations will be recognized by the specific location. For example, if a business has locations in Wilmington, Dover, and Rehoboth Beach, each location will receive its own vote. So make you specify which location you are voting for. (Examples - Grottos Pizza - Wilmington, Rita's Italian Ice - Bear,Capriotti's - Hockessin.) 

How do I submit my votes?
Your votes are automatically submitted as soon as you hit the vote button. All write-in votes must include the complete name of the business & town of the establishment person or place for which you are voting. 

I already submitted a business name to cast my vote, but I do not see them listed on the ballot. Did my vote not go through?
Yes. Your vote was captured. Submitted entries will not display on the ballot. But, don't worry, your vote for that business was received and will be tallied.

I commented on Delaware Online, Facebook or Twitter about a specific business. Does that count as a vote?
No. Only votes submitted online via the Readers' Choice ballot will be counted. 

The (my) business name does not come up while I’m typing to submit my vote. Can you make sure that my business name shows in the drop list to make it easier for users to vote for me?
Short answer: No.
 
Long answer: 1) Users DO NOT have to select one of the pre-populated suggestions that appear in the drop list as they type in a business name. The field will accept whatever they type in that field. 2) The drop list that appears is powered by Google. Therefore, we cannot control or force a business to appear in Google’s business listings as users start to type. 3) If a business wants to try to make sure that their name and location appear in the suggested drop list, then they need to create a Google Business page. This is how they can appear in Google’s business listings directory.

If I voted for a business as "The Company Name Group", and another person voted for the same business as "Company Name", for the same category, do both votes go that business despite not being the exact wording?
Yes, our advertising team reviews all Readers' Choice entries to confirm they are valid. They will correct any misspellings or multiple names for a business in their category and make sure that business receives all of their intended votes.

Can I link to the Readers' Choice pages from my website or social media pages?
Yes. Please feel free to promote your business regarding your participation in Readers' Choice. Note - Buying votes are not allowed and your business will be disqualified. (See below)

Can I offer discounted services to get people to vote for my business?
No. This is not allowed. You/your business will be disqualified for buying votes from current or potential customers. If we are notified or we see a marketing mailer, website ad, social media post, etc., that offers a discount or free service with proof of a vote, we will remove your organization from the ballot.

Do you provide options for businesses to further promote and advertise the fact that they are a nominee/winner?
Yes. We can provide you with assistance on print and online advertising promote your participation in Readers' Choice, thank your voters and welcome new customers to learn more about your business/service. If interested, please contact your sales rep or call 302-324-2541.

Why are some of the nominees highlighted with additional links or enhancements?
We sell Digital Voting Enhancements which includes your business logo, business address, description, plus links to your website and social media (Facebook, Twitter) links. If interested, please contact your sales rep or call 302-324-2541.

When will the winners be announced?
Winners will be announced on September 30. Decisions of the judges are final. All competition rules will be strictly enforced. The News Journal will be the sole & final judge of ballot eligibility and all questions arising from this promotion. All questionable entries will be verified. Specific results or vote totals will not be communicated. Look for the Readers' Choice special section in that edition of the Sunday News Journal and here on Delaware Online.