BATTLE CREEK, Mich., March 6, 2012/PRNewswire/ -- This election year, Cheez-It® crackers is asking Americans to throw their support behind the candidate they find appealing, agreeable and most importantly, delicious, by casting their vote for the Top Cheese. Eight flavors of Cheez-It crackers will campaign for the right to be named America's "Top Cheese."

Voting is underway at the Cheez-It cracker Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/cheezit. Additionally, supporters are able to track voting and learn more about the candidates, including their positions on important issues such as the proper amount of flavor - strong or mild.

The electorate has the opportunity to vote early and vote often for their favorite Cheez-It cracker flavor via a Facebook application as well as monitor voting and stay informed with the latest election news. Additionally, consumers can 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 agendas.

"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," said Todd Penegor, president of Kellogg Snacks. "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."

Prizes for Top Voters

Consumers not only can vote and campaign for their favorite flavor, but will also have the opportunity to forever 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 in the "Vote for the Top Cheese" election will win a four-year supply of Cheez-It crackers and get their likeness on a future Cheez-It box. To earn votes, 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, watching debates between the candidates and participating in online polls. Seven runners-up will receive a one-year supply of Cheez-It crackers. Voting ends Thursday, April 5, 2012.

Meet the Candidates

The eight cheeses that are up for election are:

Colby: The People's Cheese
"In times like these, the people need someone they can count on. When it comes to the tough issues, let's all hope that milder heads prevail."

Italian Four Cheese: Italian Four Cheese is the One
"Freedom. Variety. Old-world values. In this great melting pot of culture and taste, why choose one when you can have it all? Four Cheese is the One!"

White Cheddar: Let Cheese Be Cheese Again
"For those of you not caught up in cheese slinging. For those who prefer peace and quiet to youthful indiscretion. For those of you who yearn for a simpler time, I implore you to let cheese be cheese again!"

Pepper Jack: Are You Better Off Than You Were One Box Ago?
"There are some who accuse me of being soft. Others would say I am too yellow. But judge me not by my color, but by the fire I bring to every bite. And ask yourself, 'Are you better off than you were one box ago?!'"

Hot & Spicy: For a hotter, spicier Cheez-It
"What my opponents fear most is my hot headedness and brutal honesty. Folks, the cracker stops here. Give me your vote, and I'll give you a hotter, spicier Cheez-It."

Baby Swiss: For young, For old.  For real.
"So what if there are holes in my platform? I have youth, vigor, and a nose for great taste on my side. I am for the young, I am for the old, I am for real."

Mozzarella:The Cheese for Change
"A cheese defiant to rolling with the times can suffer only one fate - to crumble at the feet of progress. Snackers, I challenge you to roll with me into the future, and stand by me as the cheese for change." 

Cheddar Jack:It's snack time in America again
"Every single American has the right to come home from work, school, or the grocery store to a snack that's both real and delicious. Folks, it's snack time in America again." 

For more information on the "Vote for the Top Cheese" election, visit www.Facebook.com/cheezit or www.Cheez-It.com.

About Kellogg Company

Driven to enrich and delight the world through foods and brands that matter, Kellogg Company (NYSE: K) is the world's leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of snacks and frozen foods. Every day, our well-loved brands - produced in 18 countries and marketed in more than 180 countries - nourish families so they can flourish and thrive. With 2011 sales of more than $13 billion, these brands include Cheez-It®, Coco Pops®, Corn Flakes®, Eggo®,  Frosted Flakes®, Kashi®, Keebler®, Kellogg's®, Mini-Wheats®, Pop-Tarts®, Rice Krispies®, Special K®, and many more. To learn more about Kellogg Company, including our corporate responsibility initiatives and rich heritage, please visit www.kelloggcompany.com.

SOURCE Kellogg Company