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."