In order to vote, you have to sign up for an account (this takes about two minutes) and then cast your vote in various categories - not all categories need to be selected, but there may be a minimum. Worry not, though, because there are survey questions at the end that will help you work toward a minimum if you do not care to vote for many categories.
I would like you to vote (click here to do so) for 'Justin Vacula' in the categories of 'Best Local Blogger' and 'Best Local Community Activist.' ...and if you would like to, also cast a vote for me in the 'Best Local Celebrity' category. Local author Kenny Luck is also running for 'Best Local Author,' so please cast a vote for him!
As far as blogging is concerned, I publish various blog posts on a regular basis discussing all sorts of topics relating to religion, philosophy, science, skepticism, and much more. I release quality content, have a decent sized viewership, and am now writing for American Atheists' "No God Blog." View my content here.
As far as community activism is concerned, I'm the co-organizer of the NEPA Freethought Society -- a secular discussion and activist group which serves as a watchdog for church/state violations -- and was successful in 2009 in removing the religious display at the Luzerne County Courthouse. We're also currently tackling a problem of discrimination at the Luzerne County Prison and have recently issued a debate challenge to Northeastern Pennsylvania. The challenge was published in the Citizen's Voice (in addition to a follow-up letter), has been sent to the Diocese of Scranton, and we've unfortunately largely heard radio silence.
As far as local celebrity is concerned, I certainly not in Justin Bieber territory, but I am fairly well-known in Northeastern Pennsylvania mainly because of my activism and writing. I've been pictured and interviewed in local newspapers, have appeared on various podcasts and radio shows, etc.
Voting closes on November 23, 2011 at 11:59PM.
Justin Vacula, author and owner of justinvacula.com -- a blog about atheism, theism, philosophy, and much more -- is an active outspoken atheist in Northeastern Pennsylvania who is the co-organizer, spokesperson, and board member of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Freethought Society, a secular discussion and activist group of non-theists. Justin received a large amount of media attention in his 2009 church/state battle in Northeastern Pennsylvania and graduated from King's College in Pennsylvania with degrees in Philosophy and Psychology in addition to receiving a distinguished award in Philosophy and a minor in Professional Writing. He regularly publishes articles for Examiner.com as the 'Scranton Atheism Examiner' and writes for American Atheists' "No God Blog."