Mount Gambier City Council continued its average return rate, recording a 41.02% response.

City had a 42.9% response at the 2018 local government elections, compared with 41.3% in 2014.

While Mayor Lynette Martin was elected unopposed, there were 18 candidates contesting eight positions.

First preference votes were counted on Saturday, however ballot papers have now been taken to Adelaide where preferences will be distributed.

There were 7586 votes cast, with 235 informal.

Candidates needed to receive 843 votes to be elected.

Only Max Bruins with 1138, Ben Hood 1524 and Sonya Mezinec 971 achieved that with first preferences.

At the close of counting on the weekend, Mark Lovett had 299 votes, Steve Paleokastritis 146, Scott Turner 25, Kate Amoroso 377, Alysha Herrmann 118, Jason Virgo 318, Paul Jenner 537, Justin Edwards 207, Frank Morello 368, Josh Lynagh 746, Bruce Morale 260, Owen Drinkell 58, Ian Von Stanke 298, Llew Jones 152 and Kevin Raedel 44.

Vote counting will resume today, with a result expected later this week.