Contest Integrity & Voting Policy​
At SWFL Business Magazine, we value fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity in all community contests and public voting events. To ensure a level playing field for all participants, we have implemented strict guidelines to protect the integrity of the voting process.
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✅ Fair Voting Rules
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To maintain a fair and honest environment for all contestants, we enforce the following policies:
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IP Address Monitoring
All submissions and votes are tracked using IP address verification.-
A maximum of 5 submissions or votes per IP address is allowed.
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Any IP address exceeding this limit will have all excess votes flagged and removed.
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Device Tracking
We also monitor device activity. Submissions or votes originating from the same device—regardless of account or name used—will be reviewed for suspicious activity. -
Cheating & Automated Activity
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Any use of bots, automated scripts, vote-buying services, or other forms of manipulation is strictly prohibited.
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If any form of cheating is detected, all associated entries will be disqualified immediately, and the individual or business involved will be banned from all future contests.
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Community-First Approach
These contests are designed to support and highlight real businesses in our Southwest Florida community. We reserve the right to investigate and remove any suspicious or unfair activity at our sole discretion.
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🚫 Zero Tolerance for Cheating
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We take integrity seriously. If you're caught attempting to manipulate the contest in any way, you will be permanently banned from all future SWFL Business Magazine contests, promotions, or voting-based opportunities.
By participating in any contest hosted by SWFL Business Magazine, you agree to abide by the terms of this policy.