Frequently Asked Questions
How can my business be listed on The Post and Courier's Charleston’s Choice ballot?
If you do not see a business listed, you can submit a “Write-In” nomination through May 12. After the “Write-In” nomination has been approved, it will appear on the ballot for voting. Businesses will be checked for validity, so please make sure the nomination is submitted with the correct name and the corresponding category. If a business cannot be verified, the nomination will not be published on the ballot.
Does a business have to advertise to be on the ballot?
No. The Post and Courier welcomes all valid businesses to be nominated in relevant categories for free. If you do not see a business listed, you can submit a “Write-In” nomination through May 29. After the “Write-In” nomination has been approved, it will appear on the ballot for voting. Businesses will be checked for validity, so please make sure the nomination is submitted with the correct name and the category is appropriate. If a business cannot be verified, the nomination will not be published on the ballot. The Post and Courier offers a free promotional toolkit and paid marketing opportunities for businesses to promote their nomination, but all businesses can be listed on the ballot upon approval.
How many Categories are there in The Post and Courier's Charleston’s Choice?
Voters can “Voice their Choice” in 350+ categories related to the following groups: Lowcountry Favorites, Food & Dining, Drinks & Nightlife, Arts & Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Home & Garden, Just for Kids, Pets, Real Estate, Recreation, Leisure & Outdoor, Professional Services, Local Shopping and Automotive, Boats & RV.
How do I go about adding a new category?
Please submit all requests HERE. All requests submitted on or before 05/12/2024 will be reviewed and considered for approval.
Can my business be nominated in multiple categories?
Yes. Businesses can be nominated in all relevant categories upon approval. For instance, ABC Restaurant can be nominated for Overall Restaurant and Italian Restaurant. Businesses will be checked for validity, so please make sure the nomination is submitted in the appropriate category. If a business cannot be verified, the nomination will not be published on the ballot.
My business is interested in sponsoring a Group or Category, but the Group or Category has already been taken. What options do I have?
A business can sponsor 1 of 13 Groups or one of the 350+ categories. If a Group or Category is reserved, consider an option that is relevant to the audience voting in this category. For instance, ABC Mexican Restaurant located in Mount Pleasant wants to sponsor the Mexican Restaurant category, but this has already been reserved. Consider the category Sponsorship for Best Margarita or Mount Pleasant Restaurant instead.
What is the best way for my loyal customers to vote for my business in The Post and Courier's Charleston’s Choice?
A simplified ballot system has also been created online at: PostandCourier.com/CharlestonsChoice2024. Voters can cast their ballot in up to 350+ categories. Each voter is allowed one vote per category for the entire voting period.
Feel free to share on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, email database and more! Direct your fans to vote online www.PostandCourier.com/CharlestonsChoice2024). Don't forget to include the following hashtag in all your promotions: #CharlestonsChoice
When is the voting period?
The Post and Courier's Charleston’s Choice voting period takes place in 2 phases.
Phase 1 Nomination/Voting Period: Wednesday, May 1– Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Phase 2 Finalist Period listing up to Top 10 Finalists in each category: Wednesday, June 5 – Sunday, July 7, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Phase 3 Celebration: 1 Winner* and up to 3 Finalists will be contacted at the end of July/early August. Winners and Finalists will publish in a special Charleston’s Choice publication in The Post and Courier on Sunday, September 8. A special event to celebrate The Post and Courier's 2024 Charleston’s Choice will be held on September 26. Event details to come.
*In the event of a tie there could be more than one winner.
What happens if my business advances to Phase 2?
Congratulations for advancing to the next phase of The Post and Courier's Charleston’s Choice. Up to the top 10 finalists will be included in the Phase 2 Voting phase. Votes are reset, so we encourage you to share with all your loyal fans! Feel free to share on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, email database and more! Direct your fans to vote online: www.PostandCourier.com/CharlestonsChoice24. Don't forget to include the following hashtag in all your promotions: #CharlestonsChoice
Do my votes from Phase 1 carry into Phase 2?
No. Each phase is a new set of votes.
When will the winners and finalists be announced?
We will contact winners after the votes are calculated, but we will ask that nothing be made public until after the celebration event.
Are there ways for my business to be promoted on The Post and Courier's Charleston’s Choice Ballot?
The Post and Courier offers several unique and affordable ways for your business to promote their services. Ask your account representative for more information.
How do you prevent cheating?
The Post and Courier's Charleston’s Choice ballot voting will be consistently reviewed throughout both nomination and voting phases. If suspicious activity or fraudulent voting is suspected, a nominated business could potentially be disqualified and permanently removed from the current program and future.