Prospective councillors no longer line the block outside the returning office, waving how-to-vote cards and and chatting to voters as they head to the polls.

And, as of today, three of those hopefuls have likely cemented their position on Armidale Regional Council.

With 11.9 per cent of votes at the minute, administrator Ian Tiley is coming first in the election race.

He’s closely followed by former Guyra Shire Council deputy-mayor Simon Murray, on 9.93 per cent.

An interesting contrast to fellow Guyra resident Aileen MacDonald, who has just 1.97 per cent of the votes.

Saddler Jon Galletly is coming in a close third, on 9.35 per cent.

Wollomombi resident Libby Martin is also polling well, with 4.46 per cent of the votes.

In the groups, it looks like Country Labor will have a representative in Debra O’Brien, Team Margaret O’Connor in Margaret O’Connor and The Greens with Dorothy Robinson.

Fairfax Media will continue to update polling results as they are counted.