Cheez-It Adds Flavor to 2012 Election

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -- This election year, the Cheez-It brand of crackers is inviting Americans to cast their votes for the Top Cheese. Eight flavors of Cheez-It crackers are vying for the honor.

Voting is currently underway at the Cheez-It Facebook page, and ends Thursday, April 5. As part of the "Vote for the Top Cheese" campaign, supporters also can track voting and find out more about the candidates, including their positions on important issues like the proper amount of flavor: strong or mild.

Consumers can also watch video highlights of a debate featuring Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 Cheez-It Ford, as he questions the Top Cheese candidates on their platforms.

"While election years are historically a very divisive time, the 'Vote for the Top Cheese' campaign is aimed to bring Americans together around a platform everyone can support -- great flavor," noted Todd Penegor, president of Kellogg snacks at Battle Creek, Mich.-based Kellogg Co. "Through the eight Cheez-It cracker candidates and online debates, our goal is to leave Americans with a positive taste and perhaps expanded palate this election season."

Not only can consumers vote and campaign for their favorite flavor, but they also have the opportunity to be part of Cheez-It cracker history by having their likeness featured on select packaging. The consumer who casts the most votes for the winning flavor will get a four-year supply of Cheez-It crackers and their image on a future Cheez-It box.

Consumers can vote for their favorite candidate throughout the election, as well as participate in "Vote for the Top Cheese" activities on the Facebook application like playing campaign-themed games, viewing candidate debates and taking part in online polls. Seven runners-up will receive a one-year supply of Cheez-It crackers.