Event Info & Rules - 2025 Hayward's Best

Hayward's Best Campaign Rules

Voting Method and Requirements:

  • Votes can only be made by completing the online form at haywardsbest.com.
  • All voting entries must have voters’ complete information, including name, email address, and any other required details, or the votes will not be counted.

Voting Limits:

  • Each person may vote only once per category.
  • Winners are chosen by individuals who fill out the online voting ballot.

Nominee Eligibility:

  • Nominees must reside within the City of Hayward (Hayward proper) or hold a current Hayward Chamber Membership.
  • Eligibility is verified through the Hayward Chamber and Business License database, social media presence, and official websites.

Voting Period:

  • All votes must be received by November 21, 2025.

Category Limits:

  • Nominees must choose and stick to no more than three (3) of categories for the duration of the voting period. Changes to category selections are not permitted once voting begins.

Ballot Stuffing and Security Measures:

  • If a business is caught “stuffing ballots” or circumventing security measures, their votes will be flagged and removed.
  • We use automated software to detect and prevent fraudulent voting practices.

Disqualification and Conduct:

  • The Best of Hayward facilitators reserve the right to disqualify any business that violates the competition rules or engages in inappropriate conduct, including but not limited to misuse of marketing materials and non-compliance with guidelines.
  • Participants who violate the rules will receive a written warning.

Permissions and Use of Likeness:

  • By participating in the Best of Hayward, you grant us permission to use your business name, likeness, and image for marketing and promotional materials related to the competition.

Results and Announcements:

  • All competition results are held privately by the Hayward Chamber of Commerce.
  • Winners will be announced on December 10, 2025  online and at the Best of Hayward Award Event.
  • Winners will receive a certificate, promotional materials, and bragging rights.

Purpose of the Competition:

  • The goal of the Best of Hayward  is to create awareness of the great small businesses in Hayward. We aim to make the competition enjoyable for all participants.