VOTING STARTS AUGUST 6

2026 Nominations and Voting Information
Here’s a breakdown of the key dates and how to participate:

Nominations: Readers nominate their favorite people, places and things in more than 200 categories.

  • Start Date: Aug. 6 at 1 a.m.
  • End Date: Aug. 17 at 11:59 p.m.
  • How to Nominate:
    • Online: You’ll need to log in or register with a valid email address.
    • Paper Ballots: Available in the Aug. 6 and Aug. 13 issues of Illinois Times.
    •  Text to vote using 217-281-4998 and unique Entrant keyword.
  • Rules:
    • Nominations are not viewable until approved.
    • You can nominate in as many categories as you want, but only once per category.
    • You can change your nominations before the deadline.

Voting: Those with the most nominations move on to the final voting round.

  • Start Date: Sept. 10 at 1 a.m.
  • End Date: Sept. 21 at 11:59 p.m.

Results Announced:

  • Illinois Times – Oct. 29 print issue
  • Best of Springfield Party – Thursday, October 29, at BOS Center. BOS Party info at illinoistimestix.com

For questions:

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