RUNNING TALLY | Election counting under way in Shepparton

Victorian Electoral Commission scrutineers are busy tallying votes for the 2024 election, and although provisional ward results will not be available online until November 6 at the earliest, progressive count figures are available.

Almost two-thirds of votes have been counted in the Balaclava Ward (3374 of 5324 enrolled voters, or 63.37 per cent) and one of the three candidates has already secured an almost unassailable lead.

City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali has attracted 2534 votes — or 76.30 per cent — with Diane Teasdale (14.06 per cent) or Rudo Makombe (9.64 per cent) needing the vast majority of the remaining votes to turn the race around.

Fifty-three informal votes have been recorded thus far in the electorate.

In comparison, the race to be elected in the Kialla Ward is shaping as almost the polar opposite.

Some 3290 of 5483 possible votes have been counted (60 per cent) and just 71 votes separate Anthony Brophy (34.86 per cent) and Terri Cowley (32.65 per cent).

Kamal Dhillon (18.72 per cent) and Brendan Gosstray (13.77 per cent) trail in third and fourth place, respectively.

Seventy-four informal votes have been tallied.

A progressive count is also available for the Goulburn River Ward — within which six candidates stood for election.

Just over half of the potential votes have been counted (2596 of 4861) and with around 300 votes separating the top three candidates, it remains anyone’s race.

Paul Wickham leads the way with 800 votes (31.35 per cent), from Emmersyn Rea (23 per cent) and Sherri Smith-Hoyer (18.81 per cent).

Simon Wyatt (12.85 per cent), Severin Duhring (10.07 per cent) and Rowan Farren (3.92 per cent) are next in line.

Forty-four informal votes have been lodged thus far.