Participation Rules

Voting Method and Requirements:

• Votes can only be made by completing the online form at https://www.bestofwestaustin.com.
• All voting entries must have voters’ complete information, including name, email address, and any other required details, or the votes will not be counted.

Voting Limits:

• Each person may vote only once per category.
• Winners are chosen by individuals who fill out the online voting ballot.
• We will track IP addresses to ensure fairness. If multiple people within the same household wish to vote, they must use separate devices and not share the same network.

Nominee Eligibility:

• Nominees must have a physical location within one of the following zip codes: 78726, 78730, 78732, 78750 or 78759 as well as the Village of Volente. Active members of the West Austin Chamber of Commerce are eligible to participate regardless of their physical location. To be considered “Active”, members must be current on their dues
• Eligibility is verified through the Business License database, social media presence, and official websites.

Voting Period:

• All votes must be received by December 12, 2025.

Category Limits:

• Nominees must choose and stick to no more than twohree (23) categories for the duration of the voting period. Businesses nominated for Best Specialty Retail or Best Specialty Service are not eligible for nominations in other categories. These categories are reserved for businesses that don’t neatly fit anywhere else. Changes to category selections are not permitted once voting begins.
• We reserve the right to deny a nomination for a category that does not adequately meet the definition of the category.

Ballot Stuffing and Security Measures:

• If a business is caught “stuffing ballots” or circumventing security measures, their votes will be flagged and removed.
• We use automated software to detect and prevent fraudulent voting practices.

Disqualification and Conduct:

• The Best of West Austin facilitators reserve the right to disqualify any business that violates the competition rules or engages in inappropriate conduct, including but not limited to misuse of marketing materials and non-compliance with guidelines.
• Participants who violate the rules will receive a written warning.

Permissions and Use of Likeness:

• By participating in Best of West Austin, you grant us permission to use your business name, likeness, and image for marketing and promotional materials related to the competition.

Results and Announcements:

• All competition results are held privately by the West Austin Chamber of Commerce and Four Points News.
• Winners will be announced at the West Austin Chamber January Awards Luncheon on January 15, 2026 and online immediately following the event.
• Winners will receive a certificate, promotional materials, and bragging rights.

Purpose of the Competition:

• The goal of the Best of West Austin contest is to create awareness of the remarkablel businesses in our community. We aim to make the competition enjoyable and fair for all participants.