The deadline for The Daily Leader’s 2015 Reader’s Choice Awards is nearing, with completed ballots due Oct. 7.

The first “Best of Brookhaven” contest will honor all first and second place winners with a certificate declaring they are the best, as voted on by readers, in their respective categories. Winners will also appear in a special publication that will be included in the newspaper.

The contest is designed to let readers choose the best businesses and individuals in more than 100 categories. The business/individual must operate in Lincoln County to be considered. Each completed ballot will also serve as an entry for a $250 cash prize. Free ballots are available at The Daily Leader office at 128 N. Railroad Ave.

Ballots for the contest will also appear in today’s edition, as well as Friday’s, Sunday’s and Wednesday’s. Only ballots printed by The Daily Leader will be accepted, and only those with at least half of the categories completed will be accepted.