Have a question about The Local’s List? Check out our frequently asked questions below.
What are the important dates to know?
- Nomination Round: Feb. 16 – Mar. 9 (ongoing)
- Voting Round: Apr. 13 – May 4
- Winners Announced: The July issue of The Bend
What is The Local’s List and how does it work?
The Local’s List is The Bend’s annual readers’ choice poll. Every year, The Bend’s staff compiles a list of categories for the ballot. Once the ballot is made public, anyone is allowed to nominate their favorite local businesses, people, places and services once per category. After a three-week nomination round, the top five nominees with the most nominations will advance to the voting round. Each email is only allowed one vote per category. When the voting round begins, if more than five nominations are listed in a category, it indicates a tie among the top five.
What areas does The Local’s List cover?
The Coastal Bend region, including Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio counties.
How do I sign in to the ballot?
The first time you open the ballot, you’ll need to sign in. You can do this two ways: click the Sign In option at the top of the page, or start entering your first nomination, and you’ll be taken to the sign-in screen automatically. Enter your email, then either create a password or choose one-time code and click “Request code.” If you choose the code option, a temporary code will be sent to your email and come from the sender “CitySpark Support.”
Why isn’t there a category that fits my business? How can I suggest a new category?
The Bend’s staff sits down each year to reassess the categories. We take into consideration how categories performed the previous year, whether a category would allow for five or more possible entrants, etc. With this in mind, new categories have been added, and some from previous years have been removed.
While it is too late to add categories to this year’s ballot, we encourage the public to send their category ideas for consideration in the future. You can send any category recommendations to kylie@thebendmag.com.
How can I get the promotional graphics?
If you or your business has advanced into the voting round, you may download this graphic to help promote your business. A black and a white Local’s List logo are also available for download to use in your marketing materials.
How does the Bend monitor fraudulent activity?
Our digital team works closely with our host platform to monitor and remove suspicious activity. Responses flagged as fraudulent (e.g., bot activity or “ballot-stuffing”) will be promptly removed. We reserve the right to discard any entries suspected of engaging in such behavior.
How will I know if I advanced into the voting round?
You will be contacted via email upon advancement into the voting round. Our small team does its best to find as many emails as possible for the top five nominees in each category to notify them of advancement.
Does The Bend nominate and/or vote for their own favorites?
No. The ballot is solely populated by the public’s nominations and votes. However, in past issues, we have published “editor’s picks,” which appear separately alongside the reader’s choice winners and are selected by our editorial team.
Do I have to pay to be represented on the ballot and/or win?
No! The results are based 100% on the public’s nominations and votes. Ballot advertising options are available during the voting period. Advertisers may use Local’s List promotional graphics to boost their exposure, but being an advertiser in The Bend or advertising on the ballot itself does not guarantee any advantage in the contest.
Why do some of the nominations on the ballot have a photo and description?
During the voting round, the top five nominees can purchase a variety of enhanced listing packages to further promote their businesses. If you or your business would like more information, please fill out this form to be contacted by a member of our team.
Why are there more than five entries in a category in the voting round?
If there are more than five entries in any category once voting has started, this is due to a tie somewhere within the top five nominations.
How many times can I nominate my favorites?
When you first interact with the ballot, it will prompt you to enter an email address. Each email may nominate only ONCE per category.
When will the winners be announced?
Winners will be announced to the public upon the release of the July 2026 issue. Sign up for The Bend’s newsletters to be the first to find out the winners and subscribe to receive the print issue in your mailbox!
Will there be a party for The Local’s List this year?
Yes! Stay tuned for details on The Local’s List Party.
Have you voted for your favorite local businesses, people, places and services in The Local’s List 2026 yet? What are you waiting for? Start now!
