As of Friday afternoon in Edenton's Top Dog Contest, at five p.m., here are the results from the first day of voting in Edenton Social Light's Top Dog Contest.

And folks, we've got ourselves a race.

Louie has moved out in front with forty-five votes. A strong opening showing — but there's company coming.

Gizmo is holding second with thirty-eight, and Finnegan is right there with thirty-six. Just two votes separating those two contenders. This one could change in a hurry.

In fourth, with twenty-seven votes, comes a fellow whose name sounds ready for a royal introduction: Sir Jasper, Duke of Granville.

But look right behind him. Waylon and Willie have twenty-six. These two are running as a team, and they're just one vote away from catching the Duke.

Gracie is firmly in the mix with twenty-one votes, followed by Koa with thirteen and Layla Maye with ten.

Then comes Nubby with nine. Baxter has eight. One vote between them — and every vote counts.

Now, things get crowded.

Enzo Adachi, Hamish and Mya, and Mazie the Bernedoodle are all sitting on five votes. Three entries, tied together, waiting for a little help from their fans.

Maggie follows with four.

Bear, Runa, and Mazie the Great Dane have three apiece. And yes, folks, you heard that correctly. Two Mazies in this contest. You'll want to make sure you're cheering for the right one.

Millie and Potato have two votes each — and you have to appreciate a contest where a Duke and a Potato are chasing the same crown.

With one vote apiece, we have Cody, Hopkins, Hayden, Harley, Summer, and Bella. They're on the board, and this race is just getting started.

Still looking for that first vote: Frank Lucas, Seventeen, Hit Toddi, Penny, Diesel, Milo, Mater and Moonpie, Stella, Carl, and Lola the Wonder Dog.

Don't count any of them out. It takes one vote to get moving — and there's a whole week of campaigning ahead.

Our first weekly ribbon will be awarded Friday, November sixth. Weekly winners receive a ribbon. Monthly winners receive a medal. And every dog moves into the next month with a fresh voting slate.

No dog is left behind.

So there you have it. Louie leads after the opening day, Gizmo and Finnegan are giving chase, and the rest of the field is ready to make a move.

Visit Edenton Social Light dot com. Take a look at these faces. Pick your favorite, and cast your vote once a day.

The crown is waiting, folks.

And this race is far from over.