PHOENIX -- Forget about the presidential primaries and the upcoming general election, the real voting began Sunday when the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot went live online.
This year's All-Star Game, which is presented by MasterCard, will take place in San Diego, a favorite destination for Arizona residents in July.
Though he's off to a bit of a slow start, D-backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has been playing his usual Gold Glove Award defense, and given his track record, he certainly figures to be a worthy candidate to earn his third straight start and fourth overall appearance for the National League in the Midsummer Classic.
While outfielder A.J. Pollock joined Goldschmidt at last year's All-Star Game, this year there are several worthy D-backs candidates, including second baseman Jean Segura, third baseman Jake Lamb and outfielder David Peralta.
Segura has been a weapon at the top of the Arizona order, and his hot start at the plate during Spring Training has so far carried over into the regular season. Meanwhile, in just his second full season in the big leagues, Lamb is showing continued improvement at the plate while playing outstanding defense.
It's probably time for Peralta to get his due. Having gone from pitching prospect to out of baseball to independent league outfielder, Peralta has one of the better stories of any player in the game.
Other D-backs on the ballot include Yasmany Tomas, Chris Owings, Nick Ahmed and Welington Castillo.
Browsing the ballot
The other side: Over in the American League, even though the Astros are off to a slow start, outfielder Colby Rasmus has been on fire at the plate. Rasmus' positive season seemed to fly under the radar last year, but he deserves more attention in the voting this time around.
Tip of the cap: One player in the NL worth considering is Dexter Fowler with the Cubs. D-backs fans got a firsthand look at how valuable a player Fowler was during an early April series, and while other Cubs players may draw more attention, Fowler shouldn't be ignored.
A rising star: Rockies shortstop Trevor Story has taken baseball by storm in April. D-backs fans watched him hit four homers at Chase Field in the season-opening three-game series, and they're likely to see more as the two teams battle this summer.
Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- on their computers, tablets and smartphones -- exclusively online using the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot until Thursday, June 30, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Vote up to five times in any 24-hour period for a maximum of 35 times.
Fans may also receive the ballot by texting VOTE to 89269 (USA) or 101010 (Canada). Or text VOTA for a ballot in Spanish. Message and data rates may apply. Up to five messages. No purchase required. Reply STOP to cancel. Reply HELP for info.
Following the announcement of the 2016 All-Stars, be sure to return to MLB.com and cast your 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote for the final player on each league's All-Star roster. On Tuesday, July 12, watch the 2016 All-Star Game presented by MasterCard live on FOX, and during the game visit MLB.com to submit your choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet via the 2016 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote.
The 87th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB.com, MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.