How do I vote in the poll?
1) Sign in, or grab a free account if you don’t already have one. Sorry to make you do that, but it’s necessary to have a secure, fair, and accurate poll. Sign in here.
2) Click the “vote” button next to the stuff you like. Check out the categories and vote for as many things as you like. You can only cast one vote per item but you can “un-vote” by clicking the button again.
3) You can add options to each poll. Let us repeat that ... you can add options to each poll. YOU! That’s how it works – Volume One does not add poll options, you do.
How many times can I vote?
You may cast one vote per option in every question. So for example, if you just can’t decide on your favorite Mexican restaurant, you can vote for more than one! You may also come back at any time during the voting period and vote for more options, and you can even UN-vote previous selections by clicking the button again.
BUT to be clear, the system does not allow anyone to vote multiple times for a single option.
How many questions ARE there?
A lot. Each year, we pack a lot of questions into the poll, but we don’t expect you to vote on everything – just the stuff you really care about.
Geez, do I have to vote in EVERY QUESTION?
No, not at all. Just skip around and vote on the stuff you care about. You can vote on a few things each day if you want. However – if you do vote in every single question, people will tell tales of your stamina and willpower for generations to come.
Does Volume One nominate/add the options we vote on?
Nope! You do. Learn how below.
Note: To get the ball rolling, we will often add options from past years and sometimes add in new/relevant options, but these options are not added as a formal “nomination” and certainly not an endorsement. These options were added by readers in years past.
Hey, my business/band/name isn’t on here. How can I get added to the poll as an option?
You are able to add yourself at any time. At the bottom of each poll there lies a field labeled “Add Your Own.” When you fill that out, your option will be added to that question for all to vote upon. No need to contact us about something being left off. It’s ok for you to add it!
BUT FIRST, double-check to make absolutely sure the option you want to add hasn’t already been added as a choice. Sometimes people submit slightly varied names to the poll, so stay sharp, because double entries can confuse voters and negatively impact your results.
Note: To get the ball rolling, we will often add options from past years and sometimes add in new/relevant options, but these options are not added as a formal “nomination” and certainly not an endorsement. These options were added by readers in years past.
Hey, I’m listed as an option but I want to add my website and a photo and stuff like that. What do I do?
Contact us here – to request changes, listing the poll question and the option.
How can I encourage people to vote for me?
There are a number of ways businesses, organizations, or individuals can encourage their fans to vote. And a number of ways they are NOT allowed to encourage votes (bribes, etc). See "Tips & Guidelines" below to learn more.
There should totally be a question for best lawn dart tournament, etc. How do I get new questions/categories added to the poll?
If you have a suggestion for a question to add to the poll, contact us here and request your addition. No promises, but we’ll consider it.
What do I get if I place in the poll? Is there an award?
If our readers vote you into a top spot on the poll (meaning top three), you will be listed as such in our results issue.
You also get a handsome (and free) certificate of recognition, plus bragging rights if that’s your thing.
Visit the Best-Of Award page to learn more about requesting your certificate or ordering a plaque.
What is “The Best Night?” Must I attend to get my award?
The Best Night is a huge party thrown by Volume One to celebrate the Best of the Chippewa Valley and our annual Chippewa Valley Vanguard Awards. Anyone can attend, regardless of the poll or winner status. There is music and food and drinks and engaging entertainment. Visit the Best Night page to learn more.
However! Top vote-getters DO NOT need to attend. If you placed in the top three of a poll question, you are locked in as a winner and nothing changes that! You also do not need to attend The Best Night to pick up your free certificate and/or wooden plaque (if you purchased one). You may stop by our office to pick those up – 205 N. Dewet Street in downtown Eau Claire. Please call ahead if you can.
HOLY CRAP! I won and I got an email and it said I need to buy an award for $200+?!?!?
Woah there, buddy! We’re glad you checked here first because that email was not from us or our partners. So be assured, Volume One is not scamming you for large quantities of money.
Since the beginning of “Best Of” polls there have been national companies preying on the winners, selling unapproved, astronomically expensive plaques. Don’t get duped. The only award we sell to winners is described above – a very affordable, locally made wooden plaque – and it is not a profit scheme.
If you’re not sure if a communication is from us, contact us here to double check.
Businesses & Individuals - Tips and Guidelines
Visit our Best-Of Rules page to learn more.
