Turnout in the most hotly contested Dunedin mayoral race in recent times has been lukewarm so far.
As of Friday, voting statistics showed turnout in Dunedin was 5.81%, compared with 8.98% at the same time last election.
Voters are either not flocking to the polls, have not yet received their voting papers or are taking their time to make a decision.
The sluggish pace of voting in Dunedin was mirrored throughout Otago, with slower rates of voting form returns in Waitaki (15.81% from 21.18%), Queenstown-Lakes (7% from 11.81%) and Central Otago (14.5% from 24.12%).
Information was not available for Clutha, Gore, Invercargill and Southland.
Districts throughout the country have experienced similar trends.
Electoral officer Anthony Morton said it was believed the lower returns were related to when residents received forms in the post, but that was yet to be confirmed.
It seemed the postage of voting papers was more "sporadic" than in previous years, he said.
"We'll have bit more of an idea next week."
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I know which person's the odt want as evidenced by the ads they are running. If they want to be known as a fair and unbiased daily rag..... they would put ads for all the candidates not just a select few.
Ed replies: All candidates were given the option of advertising in the ODT.
Lol does nivaman know how advertising works? You could make the same argument about any of the candidate advertising in any of the media and public spaces - should the bus companies be running ads for all candidates as well? I've only seen Vandervis and Garey on the back of a bus so clearly that's not fair... Not everyone has a sign up on Balmacewen Road - should the hardware stores and printers be supplying services and materials free for all? Who will supply the trailers for those who don't have a trailer sign?
For goodness sake, be reasonable and logical.
The voting forms only arrived on Friday!
Which still gave you two whole weeks to vote.