Key dates

Now – Jul 31

Applications open. Deadline July 31, 2026 at noon EST.

Aug 1 – Oct 31

Voting is open. Closes Oct 31 at 11:59 PM EST.

Nov 6

Top 3 finalists in each category announced.

Nov / Dec

Award ceremony — finalists perform (date TBA).

👑 What you're competing for

The top Drag King and Drag Queen take home the title — a crown, a sash, and bragging rights for a full year.

👑

Miss Voter's Choice NYS

Awarded to the 2026 Drag Queen winner.

🤴

Mr. Voter's Choice NYS

Awarded to the 2026 Drag King winner.

✨ Plus a special surprise prize for all top-three finishers in each category.

How voting works

Each day, every signed-in supporter gets 1 free vote per category, per day. You can also boost your favorites with optional donate-to-vote bundles — each usable once per category, per day, so no one can simply buy the crown:

$1 → 1 vote $5 → 10 votes $10 → 25 votes $25 → 75 votes $50 → 200 votes $100 → 500 votes

Daily limits reset at midnight EST. Individual vote totals stay private during the competition — only the standings are shown. All donations support Beyond Earth Foundation and are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Who can compete

Drag performers entering as a Drag Queen or Drag King.
Must live and/or perform a majority of the time in one of the eligible New York regions (see below).
Must be 18 years or older at the time of entry.
Every application is reviewed and approved by Beyond Earth Foundation before appearing on the ballot.

📍 Eligible regions

Open to performers across upstate and regional New York: Western NY, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Central NY, North Country, Mohawk Valley, Capital District, and Hudson Valley.

New York City and Long Island are not eligible for this competition — they have their own contest, Voter's Choice NYC.

Full competition rules and code of conduct are available on the competition site.

Ready to join in?

Apply to compete, or sign in to vote when voting opens August 1.

Visit VotersChoiceNYS.org →