The voting has begun for the VegNews 2010 Veggie Awards, the largest reader's choice vegan awards for people, places, and products. There are ample categories and nominees to choose from, and the winners will be announced in the November+December edition of VegNews Magazine. But if simply sharing your favorites is not enough motivation to complete the survey, VegNews is offering some major incentive with various prizes.

First, the details: Ballots must include identifying information and be at least 50% complete to qualify for prizes. Entries must be received between August 2 and August 31, 2010. Nominees are based on the people, places, and products receiving the most votes in the 2009 Veggie Awards as well as nominations made by VegNews editors, and we encourage you to submit write-in votes.

And the prizes:

Grand Prize: GLOBAL GETAWAY
Take the trip of a lifetime with a coveted spot on a VegNews Vacation™ of your choosing! Join the editors of VegNews and the expert guides from Veg Voyages on any future fabulous trip, including our already sold-out adventures. Whether it’s the next Great Adventure to India or one of our special, soon-to-be-announced getaways, get ready to experience the history, culture, and cuisine of a fascinating destination. Meals, accommodations, site entry fees, guides, events, and airport pick-up and drop-off are all included. Bon voyage!

First Prize: YEAR SUPPLY OF DAIYA CHEESE
Melty, delicious Daiya vegan cheese has revolutionized kitchens across the country. Sporting fantastic cheddar and mozzarella flavors, it’s perfect for everything from pizza to the ultimate grilled cheese, and one hungry winner will win an entire year’s supply! Think it’s more vegan cheese than you can handle? We’re also including plenty of mouthwatering recipes to inspire you to have the tastiest year of cooking ever. (one winner)

Second Prize: VEGAN MARSHMALLOW SMORGASBORD
Revel in the ultimate dessert collection, thanks to the marshmallow masterminds at Sweet & Sara. Start with your favorite gourmet marshmallow flavor: Will it be vanilla, toasted coconut, strawberry, or cinnamon pecan? In addition to each mouthwatering marshmallow variety, you’ll also receive Sweet & Sara’s nostalgia-inducing Original S’mores and Peanut Butter S’mores, incredible Rocky Road Bark, cocoa-ready mini marshmallows, and rice crispy treats. What else could you ask for? (two winners)

Third Prize: VEG COOKBOOK COLLECTION
Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or are just starting your veg culinary education, a substantial cookbook collection is key. With more than 20 cookbooks under her belt and 4,300+ recipes in print, restaurant chef-turned-author Robin Robertson earned a 2009 Veggie Award for her amazing cookbook contributions, and we want to share her successes with you. Stock your recipe arsenal with five of Robin Robertson’s amazing cookbooks, including signed copies of Quick Fix Vegetarian, Vegan Fire and Spice, 1,000 Vegan Recipes, Vegan on the Cheap, and Party Vegan. (three winners)

Plus, Weekly Giveaways! TOFU PRESS KITCHEN TOOL
Be prepared for the TofuXpress to change your life. This easy-to-use, fast-working kitchen tool takes the trouble out of tofu, resulting in a perfectly pressed product that absorbs sauces, seasonings, and marinades with ease. Skipping on the traditional paper towel saves trees, too, making this a green step for your grub. From pesto tofu scramble to sesame-ginger cutlets, you’ll love this simple but life-saving countertop companion! (five winners)

Now, Go Vote!