Chicago votes on common seed for 2012

There’s a big election going on, and it has nothing to do with the New Hampshire primary.

It’s Chicago’s city-wide vote for favorite seed. The candidates in the race are basil, chamomile and cilantro.

The annual vote, known as One Seed Chicago, is organized by the NeighborSpace organization.

The winning seed will be distributed free to encourage urban farming.

NeighborSpace director Ben Helphand says the common seed links communities in a season-long celebration of urban gardening.

Gardeners took part in a primary to narrow the field to three. The final vote is open to schools, offices or anywhere someone is willing to establish a polling station. Voting began on New Year’s Day and runs until April 1.

Previous winners include the sunflower seed in 2008 and bee balm in 2010.