Hm.. I think it would make sense if we made a Google Docs form which people could use to nominate people, events, etc. We would then need a screening process, probably involving the Council, to pick the best 12 (or something) for the final poll. Then just make an individual poll for each category. Alternatively we could have a dedicated topic for each category/poll. Latter would definitely make the discussion easier, but could become spammy if we had many categories. Final step would be to make a big announcement topic which has all the winners and prizes.
That's the most simple way of doing it I think.
Agreeed. Google docs solve all the world's problems.