Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County kicks off its annual fundraiser “Mayor of Whidbey Island.”

Your cat has shown to be the leader of the household. It’s time to nominate your pet to be the newest Mayor of Whidbey Island for 2013.

Mayor of Whidbey polls are now open. The polls will remain open until the official election day Nov. 6.

Once a pet has been nominated, he/she will have the chance to gain votes online for $1 per vote during the race. Last year, a total of 1,448 votes were cast, 30 percent of which went to Ziggy, the popular and lovable corgi from Oak Harbor.

“Mayor of Whidbey is a fun way to bring the whole community together in support of a positive future for our kids,” said Peggy Dyer, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County. “Every dollar raised through Mayor of Whidbey directly funds our mentoring programs in Island County and helps to maintain and sustain our mentoring relationships, increasing kids’ chances for success.”

To nominate a pet, take the first step and get started making an impact in the community, visit bbbsislandcounty.org or call 360-279-0644 for more information.