Voting ends tonight in round three of Outside.com's 'best town ever' competition, and Athens could be eliminated.

As of Monday afternoon, Athens had 9,208 votes to Boone, N.C.'s 12,198 votes. Voters have until 11:59 to ensure Athens advances to the next round.

Outside will place the crown on a town's head in June, based on which town gets the most votes.

Outside picked the cities based on access to trails and public lands, restaurants and neighborhoods, and a number of other criteria — including a good beer scene.

The contest is set up bracket-style, with the winning city of each round advancing. The first five rounds of voting will last five days each.

You can vote once each round per matchup. The winner will be announced June 5.

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Yemaya Lyles (right) wipes away tears during a news conference in front of the Rockdale County Public Schools administration building on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Lyles' son, Antonio, was assaulted by a paraprofessional, who has since been fired and charged with battery. Lyles says her case against the school district has dragged on since then. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2023)

Credit: Miguel Martinez