Shoalhaven residents could be waiting a week to find out who will lead them into the future according to current Mayor Amanda Findley.
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Voters have taken to polling centres today from Berry to Burrill Lake to elect the new Shoalhaven Council.
Speaking today in Ulladulla, Ms Findley said up to 20,000 pre-poll and postal votes wouldn't be counted until Monday, making an immediate result unlikely.
"It's impossible to know the result," she told the Register.
"There are some many postal votes that are out in the system, almost 20,000 pre-polling votes to be counted.
"We will not have an idea until the end of next week at minimum because pre-polling doesn't get counted until Monday and if there's almost one third of votes that have been through on pre-poll then it's going to be a long time counting."
Her thoughts were echoed by lead challenger and former Shoalhaven Mayor Paul Green, who thanked the community for their support.
"I won't be voting until just before it closes so I can cast my vote and say it's all over, what shall be, shall be," he said.
"I'm not nervous. I came in with pretty wide eyes. It's been very positive but that doesn't mean too much other than that people have been very kind, it doesn't mean they necessarily voted for you!
"It's going to be close. I wish all the other candidates the best as well."
Also on the ground in Ulladulla on Saturday morning was Independent mayoral candidate Patricia White, who revealed she was confident of emerging victorious in a crowded field.
"I'm feeling really confident about taking the top job because I want to be a mayor for the people," she said.
"I want to be a mayor for residents, I don't want to be a mayor that's backed up by a political party. I'm going to be an independent mayor.
"I'm going to have my door open everyday for residents and businesses to come and talk to me."
Still need to cast your vote? Check out our comprehensive guide to Saturday's election.
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