There is a lot that goes into The Wakulla News’ Best of Wakulla! Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions:

Getting on the Ballot

1. What is the Best of Wakulla?
The Best of Wakulla is a celebration of the best Wakulla has to offer when it comes to businesses and organizations that make Wakulla a better place to live.

2. How does The Wakulla News determine Best of Wakulla winners?
You can vote your favorites in dozens of categories through our online ballot. Write-in nominations are accepted or vote for any of the businesses already on the ballot. Voting runs May 26 - June 19, 2023.

3. Do businesses have to pay to get on the ballot?
If you would like to advertise your business on the ballot, there is a $35 Easy Button option, and there are additional advertising opportunities. However, there are no fees to participate in Best of Wakulla. Advertising with the Easy Button gives your business exposure to all the voters who view the ballot, but purchasing advertising does not change the voting process.Each category has a place for write-in votes as well, and every year, we have winners from both.

4. What happened to that one category from last year?
You sent us hundreds of notes during and after last year’s Best of Wakulla, and we used that feedback to create this year’s ballot. Some categories have been expanded, others have been tweaked for clarity, and a couple were put on the shelf. These changes refresh the ballot so it’s not the exact same, year after year.

5. Do advertisers automatically win?
No! Best of Wakulla results are based on our reader voting. Some winners may be advertisers or later choose to be one, but being an advertiser does not guarantee a win. We work hard to maintain the integrity of this contest because it means so much to our community. We do NOT sell votes! Any business/nominee that is flagged for fraudulent activity may be removed from the ballot for the remainder of the campaign. No cheating!

1. Where is the “submit” button? How do I know my nominations counted?
There is no final “submit” button. Once you click the “VOTE” button and enter your email address, your choice is recorded. No further action is needed.

2. I’m having trouble registering. What do I do?
When you start voting in the first category of your choice, you will be asked to fill out the registration form. When you complete this step, you will be registered, and you can continue casting your votes on the ballot. If you have trouble with that process, we suggest trying a different browser or device.

3. I don’t have time to fill out the whole ballot right now. Can I come back later and do more?
Sure! As long as you’ve already registered and it’s before the deadline, you can pick up where you left off. When you return to the ballot on the same device, you should be automatically logged in and able to see your previous selections. If you aren’t logged in and you know that you’ve already registered in that round, click the “Already participated in this round…” link for further instructions.

4. Can I continue the process on another device?
Yes. When you return to the ballot on a different device, click the “Already participated in this round…” link for further instructions.

5. How many times can I vote for a business? One vote per category.

6. How do I find out who the winners are?
Winners will be announced in a special edition of the Wakulla News newspaper on Thursday, August 17th. Subscribe now to get the Best of the Best and the Wakulla News – delivered right to your door.