Written by DCist contributor Gayle Putrich

We might get the shaft in Congress, but there is at least one place your vote counts, Washington: the 2007 Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington Awards; the Associations 25th (Happy Anniversary!).

Of the myriad categories for the annual awards, affectionately known as the RAMMYs, three are determined by vox populi from a list of nominees. There's also a write-in free-for-all for the "People's Favorite," where you just type the restaurant name into an empty box, cross your fingers and send it off into the ether.

But time is ticking -- voting closes May 29. Vote early, vote often at the association's Web site. Okay, we're kidding about that "often" part. Ballots must have a valid email address to be counted and PriceWaterhouseCooper is doing the counting (the same people who audit the Federal Election Commission, so you can be assured your vote is in safe hands). You can also buy tickets for the June 17 Gala! Award! Presentation! at the Marriott Wardman Park and check out upcoming association-sponsored gastronomic events.

No mastication without representation.

People's choice categories and nominees after the jump.

Photo from Union Station's Cafe from BJ Jr.

Neighborhood Gathering Place of the Year
Ardeo
Busboys & Poets
Hank's Oyster Bar
Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar
Willow Restaurant

Hottest Bar Scene of the Year
EatBar
Mate
Oya
Urbana Restaurant & Wine Bar
Zatinya

Power Spot of the Year
Bistro Bis
Charlie Palmer Steak
Georgia Brown's
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
The Oval Room

People's Favorite
This one's all up to you. Tell us what you'd like to see here in the comments.