The Web Marketing Association is looking for the best political Websites in the world as part of their 20th annual international WebAward Competition for Web site development at the WebAward Web site. The WebAwards is the standards-defining competition that sets benchmarks for 96 industries, including political web sites, based on the seven criteria of a successful Web site. The deadline for political web sites to enter to be judged is May 31, 2016.
“Particularly in a Presidential election year, politicians running for office and their advisers understand the importance of a using a website to reach out to voters,” said William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association. “Their websites should provide a resource for their key audiences and demonstrate their position on various issues. Having that aspect of your political website reviewed is just one benefit of participating in the annual WebAward program. Being recognized as an award winner can’t hurt either”.
Web sites are judged on seven criteria including design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copy writing and ease of use. Each WebAward entry in the advertising category is judged against other advertising entries in its industry category and then against an overall standard of excellence.
Here are the past Best Political WebAward winners:
| Year | Winner | Site Name |
| 2014 | Dallas CVB and Weber Shandwick | Dallas 2016 |
| 2013 | NJI Media | Team Boehner |
| 2012 | Overdrive Interactive | Unshackle Upstate Website Re-Launch |
| 2011 | The Web Development Group | The Online Office of Congressman Steve King (IA-05) |
| 2010 | Orange Hat Group | Scott for GA |
| 2009 | NJI Media Group | American Issues Project |
| 2008 | Syrup | Hope. Act. Change. |
| 2007 | Molecular and Mitt Romney for President | Mitt Romney for President |
| 2006 | The Wall Street Journal | The Wall Street Journal’s OpinionJournal.com |
| 2005 | The Wall Street Journal’s OpinionJournal.com | The Wall Street Journal’s OpinionJournal.com |
All political entrants benefit from receiving valuable feedback in terms of their specific scores compared against the average scores for their industry. They also may receive specific comments from the WebAward’s professional judging panel on their Web site development efforts.
Winners of a WebAward in the political categories will also receive:
- Handsome statue or certificate of achievement
- Increased visibility for their company
- Marketing opportunity to promote the company website to the media
- Links to your site from the highly ranked WebAward site to help SEO
- A highlight for your resume.
- Admiration of peers, friends and co-workers
The 2016 WebAwards are sponsored by the following leading organizations: PR.com, EContent Magazine, VerticalResponse, ad:tech conferences, Webmaster Radio, and Website Magazine. The Web Marketing Association thanks these companies for their commitment to the entire online marketing community.
Political Websites wishing to be considered for the Best Political Website can submit their website for consideration at WebAward.org.