Nomination submissions are underway for the 2026 ballot of Hour Detroit‘s “Best of Detroit” honors. The 2026 nomination ballot was launched on Dec. 1, and we’ve already received many nominations. But before nominations close at 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 9, we wanted to share some do’s and don’ts for our readers to consider, in case they have yet to submit their nominations.
Do keep nominations limited to metro Detroit businesses, unless stated otherwise
While the entire state of Michigan has so much to offer, remember that many of these honors are for businesses, entities, and individuals based in metro Detroit. However, there are some categories that are open to statewide nominations, like Michigan beer and Michigan winery. In those cases, feel free to consider nominees outside of metro Detroit. In other words: Unless “Michigan” is mentioned, please limit your nominations to metro Detroit.
Don’t nominate national chains (but there is one lone exception)
The purpose of Hour Detroit‘s Best of Detroit is to recognize local greatness. Considering that, nominations for national chains will not be accepted. The lone exception, however, is for Best Hotel. In this case, national chain nominations will be accepted, but only if the nominated location has unique features that set it apart from other locations.
Don’t engage in “ballot stuffing”
We totally understand wanting to be named among Hour Detroit‘s “Best of Detroit” honorees, but trying to rig the competition is a big no-no. Any mass nominations/voting from identical IP addresses is not permitted, and any duplicate entires will be deleted. Hour Detroit reserves the right to disregard any nomination or vote we feel was not submitted within the spirit of the competition.
Do encourage customers and clients to vote, but don’t incentivize nominations
We definitely support spreading the word about “Best of Detroit” nominations. In fact, we strongly encourage businesses and other entities to communicate with their customers, clients, family, and friends about nominating and voting for them, including suggesting categories. However, incentivizing anyone with discounts and other freebies for nominations/votes is prohibited.
Do include a written reason for your nomination
Lastly, Hour Detroit‘s “Best of Detroit” is organized into eight different categories: Food, Drink, Retail, Community, Sports & Recreation, Arts & Entertainment, Services, and Health & Beauty. On the nomination ballot, each category features a written section reserved for you to share why you nominated a specific business/entity/individual for an award. Please don’t hesitate to fill out this section! If your write-up catches our eye, you just might be quoted in our “Best of Detroit” issue.
The nomination period of Best of Detroit ends on Jan. 9 at 11:59 p.m. Make your voice heard at HourDetroit.com/Best-of-Detroit-Online-Ballot/.
Important Dates:
Dec. 1 to Jan. 9: The nomination period of Best of Detroit. Write-in your favorites.
Feb. 9 to March 9: The ballot of finalists will go live on Monday, February 9. Voting for finalists will close on March 9.
May 29: The winners and finalists will be celebrated at the Best of Detroit party at the Westin Book Cadillac and featured in the June issue of Hour Detroit.
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