Aside finding ways to advertise the spotlight further, it looks like polls are better received. So how's this: you get one week to send in nominations by PM again, and at the end all the nominations are put into a poll, which is going to be held for another week. The number of PM nominations isn't going to matter this time, although do keep in mind that if no one sends in any, there's no voting. So don't worry about sending duplicates. That way the votes are more open to the public and you can see the progress, so you're not being held at a distance as much.
How's the 1-week/1-week timing for you? Would you think making one or the other longer would be better? Any other suggestions you may have as well?