Questions, answered
Does it cost anything to nominate or vote?
No. No purchase is necessary to nominate, vote, or participate.
When do nominations and voting happen?
Nominations run in September, and voting runs in October. Sign up for email updates and we'll let you know the day each round opens.
Do I need an account?
Yes. You'll need to register before you can nominate or vote. It only takes a minute, and it helps us keep the contest fair.
How often can I vote?
Once per day in every category. Come back daily through the end of October to support your favorites.
Who can nominate and vote?
Anyone 13 or older. Employees of Forsyth County News, our parent company, affiliates, advertising sponsors, and promotional agencies — plus their immediate families — aren't eligible.
What kinds of businesses can be nominated?
A business needs to have been open for at least 120 days before nominations begin, and it needs a physical location open to the public in Forsyth County. Two exceptions: businesses just over the county line, and mobile businesses like pressure washing, cleaning, or construction that do a significant share of their work in the county. Our contest administrators review these case by case, and their decision is final.
I nominated a business and it didn't show up. Why?
It may not have met the eligibility requirements above, or it may still be under review. Email marketing@forsythnews.com and we'll take a look.
Can I change my vote?
Yes, up until you close your browser and the vote is recorded. Once it's in the system, it's locked in.
How is the winner decided?
The nominee in each category with the most votes wins, as long as they meet the contest requirements after our final review.
What does the winner get?
The right to say they were named a Best of Forsyth winner, along with an official winner logo. The logo can't be altered.
How are winners notified?
By email or in person. If you own a nominated business, email us your contact info at marketing@forsythnews.com so we can reach you. Winners we can't reach within seven days may be replaced by an alternate.
Can a business offer me something in exchange for my vote?
No. Businesses can't trade goods, services, or money for votes, and doing so can get them removed from the contest. They can run a raffle during the contest, but it has to be open to every customer — they can't require proof that you voted to enter.
What about services that promise a business a win?
Those are off limits. Our system flags and removes purchased votes. A first offense gets a warning; after that, a business can be disqualified.
Does buying an ad help a business win?
No. Businesses can purchase expanded listings and graphics to be more visible in the contest, but that doesn't add votes or improve their odds directly — it just means more people see them.
How will my information be used?
By entering, you allow us to publish your name and state online, in print, and in other media in connection with the contest, and to use contest information for marketing and other purposes permitted by law.
Can the rules change?
Yes. Forsyth County News reserves the right to update these rules at any time. The full official rules are always available on this site.