This answer applies only to Contest Albums that will be judged by Member Ratings (not by Single Judges.)

IF you want the Ratings to happen while the Contest Albums are in the Open state:

• MEMBER RATINGS must be the judgement method and
• ALLOW RATINGS WHILE OPEN is YES.

NOTE: We are assuming that you have already created the Contest Albums, assigned the judgement method as Member Ratings, AND that you have set the Album management option for Allow Ratings While Open to YES.

To start the ratings, simply change the state of the Contest(s) to Open in the Contest Management List.

1. On your Gallery's Home page, access the Contest Management List (via the Host Tools button or menu link.)
2. Place checkmarks beside selected Contests.
3. Click on Edit Selected.
4. Click on Change State
5. Click on Open (this will change all of the selected Contests to state: Open.)
6. Your Contests will now be Open With Ratings.

The Contest Albums will indicate: Open for Entries & Ratings.

• You and your Gallery's Members will be able to access and rate the Contests via the Gallery's Home page.
• You and your Gallery Members (who have your permission) will also, at the same time, be able to submit entries into the Contest Albums.

To read more about Contest Album states and how to use states, Please read: What are Contest states (open, closed, judging, completed, recorded, reset)? And how do I use them?

To read about how to activate Ratings during Open, Please read: I am a Gallery Host. How do I change the option for whether or not to "Allow Ratings While Open" in a Contest Album?