Ethical to Campaign for Local Award?

This is a weird question I never thought I would be asking.
I am a freelance writer. Never worked in the media industry. I mainly only wrote for myself through Substack, etc.

I started an online sports column in my hometown after Gannett ignored local sports in our area with our local newspaper. (Major College Town)

I was the complainer on social media about lack of coverage, and then I decided in a bit of irrational confidence, I would start a Substack and ONLY talk local college sports. Well, in 1 year, I got 3k subscribers, about 10% of them paid. I did it only because they weren't.

Recently, I was nominated for one of those cheesy "Best in the City" awards by the readers and voting is all month. It's the second paper in town, a weekly paper. I think I will win, but I want to make sure I do. So I have mentioned it a couple times on twitter, because I am proud, and yes, I want to win. The chaps at the paper I'm nominated at + the Gannett paper for some reason just ghost me all the time and are really cruel for no reason from what I hear from mutual colleagues.

It's very awkward, because all I did was fill a need they weren't filling.

Doesn't look like I'll ever be working at either any time soon.

So, my question, esteemed journalists is this... Is it ethical for me to mention I am up for this award in a post or anything I write, or kind of campaign for it?

For context, I am not a straight reporter per se, more like a sports/opinion columnist. As silly as those awards can be, in a way I feel like it would help me get SOME respect if the will of the readers speaks. I may want to pursue future career prospects in this field beyond what I do. Not sure yet.

I am seriously conflicted on this. I keep going back and forth. Would appreciate honest feedback!

James