An election should be a deliberate and considered proposal, undertaken with serious and thoughtful intent. But it needn’t drag on forever. Unlike some balloting we’re aware of, voting in The Santa Barbara Independent’s Best of Santa Barbara® Readers’ Poll lasts a scant four weeks. It is open to all comers, young or old, resident or visitor, and winning does not require deep pockets or fundraising, oratory or other operatic skills. What is needed is an untrammeled opinion of at least 20 of the potential Bests in Santa Barbara. The choices pop up online today at independent.com/bestof2016ballot, and also at page 45 within. Wednesday, August 17, at 5 p.m. is when we call time. Not to be confused with that other vote in November.