It's election season and that can mean only one thing: Best of the Suncoast 2008.

Voters nationwide will be making important decision this fall, including electing the new leader of the free world. Whether you support McCain or Obama in November, Creative Loafing needs you to get into the voting spirit early and fill out a ballot for Best of the Suncoast 2008 Reader's Poll.

In addition to the usual categories, we're asking you to tell us the best new slogan for Sarasota, what local issue has been beaten like a rented mule and where are the most underrated and overrated local restaurants.

And if you feel particularly passionate about your favorite newspaper columnist, best Italian restaurant or who you are naming as the Local Zero, write us a short paragraph explaining your vote in the space provided or e-mail it to jonathan.mazaiarz@creativeloafing.com

To vote in the best of the Suncoast Reader's Poll, fill out this ballot or one of the ones in the print edition of Creative Loafing. You must complete at least 25 categories for your ballot to be considered. Voting closes Oct. 6; results will be published Oct. 22. One entry per person; no photocopied ballots; all contact information must be filled out for ballot to count. Mail to: 1383 Fifth St. Sarasota, FL 34236

For more information call: 941-365-6776 or e-mail jonathan.maziarz@creativeloafing.com