Only hours away from the deadline, a Lawrence woman has pulled into second place in an online voting competition to become the face of the United Way for 2010.

Caitlin Ballard, a Kansas University graduate who works for the United Way of Greater Topeka, at 2 p.m. was in second place trailing the leader by 226 votes in the five-way competition.

People can vote one time per day online at www.liveunited.tv. Voting ends tonight at 10:49 p.m. Central time.

Ballard, an Americorps VISTA for the United Way of Greater Topeka, is one of five finalists in the LIVE UNITED Story Search. The winner will be featured in the United Way’s 2010 brand advertising.

She has been working with the Youth Volunteer Corps to establish youth volunteer programs. She is currently working to start a chapter at Highland Park High School in Topeka.