VegNews Magazine has announced the opening of the polls for their 2009 Veggie Awards™, the largest survey of its kind in the world. The awards allow you to be a part in choosing the hottest vegetarian (or more specifically, vegan) people, products, and places. Categories for voting range from favorite cookbook author, to favorite vegan "cheese," to best vegan store. The winners will be announced in the November+December "Best of Vegetarian" holiday edition of VegNews. But, if general curiosity and being a part of the voting process just isn't enough to warrant your time, VegNews has some extra incentive. All submissions will be entered into their Grand Prize Drawing, for eligibility to win one of the following prizes:

Grand Prize: TROPICAL GETAWAY FOR TWO
Experience total tropical bliss on this unforgettable getaway for two. Included is roundtrip airfare courtesy of JetBlue to whisk you away to Deer Run Bed and Breakfast in Key West for a relaxing five-night stay. Spend your days lounging on the beach with a Hit-the-Tropics care package while nibbling on a dozen Coconut Key Lime Cookies from Allison’s Gourmet. Before or after your stay, you’ll be treated to an intimate dinner at Florida’s renowned vegan restaurant, Sublime.

First Prize: HIS & HERS URBAN BAGS
Fine-tune your fashion sense with two ultra-chic designer bags by Matt & Nat, full of sophisticated loot for the style-minded guy and gal. “His” holds a signed copy of Skinny Bastard, a LiViTY Fedora hat, and luxurious LUSH shaving cream. “Hers” offers a signed copy of Skinny Bitch, a chic cosmetic case from Micio Mambo, and LUSH’s Dreamwash Shower Smoothie.

Second Prize: VEGAN ICE CREAM STARTER KIT
Create the ultimate dairy-free fantasy in the comfort of your home with this stellar starter kit. Salivate over every page of your signed copy of The Vegan Scoop before taking one of the gourmet recipes for a spin in your brand-new Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker. Dole out a double scoop in a Daisy Dog Studio ice cream sundae bowl, and top off your masterful creation with a drizzle of Chocoreale sauce, delivered in a trio of mouthwatering flavors. (two winners)

Third Prize: CHOCOLATE SMORGASBORD
Indulge in the definitive vegan chocolate goodie box custom designed just for the Veggie Awards by Pangea Vegan Store. Guaranteed to fulfill your dark-chocolate desires, chocolate-covered sandwich crèmes, rich chocolate candy bars, chocolate peanut butter cups, rocky road bark, chocolate-dipped pretzels, and white-chocolate chips make for one decadent experience. (three winners)

Plus, Weekly Giveaways! PIZZA KITS
Turn your kitchen into a pie-tossing pizzeria with Follow Your Heart’s Pizza Kit. Included are one perfect pizza crust, mouth-watering pizza sauce, and two packages of Vegan Gourmet cheese. Throw on your favorite toppings, bake, and bask in your culinary creation—the ultimate vegan pizza. (four winners)

Voting has begun, and will commence through July 31, 2009 at midnight. Make sure you vote in enough of the categories, as only those who have filled out at least 50% of the poll will be eligible to win the prizes above. The nominees have been based on the companies/individuals who received the most votes in the 2008 Veggie Awards, but they do encourage write-in votes should your favorite be missing. 

Head to the 2009 Veggie Awards Poll to vote now!