Dunedin's voting returns are staying steadily above those of the last election, providing a slight turnaround from years of voting decline.
Apart from a blip in 2010 when final returns hit almost 53% - an increase on 2007 put down to the Auckland super-city debate raising voting awareness in the regions - there has been a steady decline in local government voting over the past 15 years.
In 2013, just 43% of voting forms were returned.
By Monday evening, 23.5% of votes had been returned in Dunedin, compared with 20.6% in 2013, 30.5% in 2010 and 26.7% in 2007.
In the regions, Queenstown Lakes District Council voting stood at 32% on Monday evening and the Waitaki District Council was at 40%.
In the Central Otago District Council area, returns were 44%. The Clutha District Council figures were updated yesterday and stood at 29.3%.
Dunedin City Council electoral officer Pam Jordan said today was the last recommended day to post voting forms; however, they could be taken to the Civic Centre until noon on Saturday.
The postal voting forms and papers had to be mailed or delivered in time to be received by noon this Saturday.
''If you haven't already sent in your voting papers, now is the time to fill them out and return them,'' Ms Jordan said.
Anyone who had not received voting papers could still cast a special vote.
The best way was to visit the special voting booth in the plaza meeting room in the Civic Centre, which was open from 8.30am to 5pm, and also on Saturday morning.
Voters could also hand deliver their voting paper to that location.
The floating special voting booth will be at the Mosgiel Library today and at the Grey Power office at 211a King Edward Street from 9am to 5pm tomorrow and Friday.