That’s just in 80 days time and already there is a huge groundswell with candidates named to contest the four wards.

Already seven sitting councillors have indicated they will be running for mayor, including the incumbent Cr. Alison Davey and three of her independent team at the 2008 elections, Councillors Rachel Main, Ian Olsen and Neil Gorman, Labor’s Cr. Bob Pynsent, Liberal candidate Cr. Cordelia Burcham and the Greens, Cr. James Ryan.

Such a large field will certainly add enormous interest to the election to see who will become the city’s number one citizen.

The race to win positions on the four wards is equally absorbing with four and possibly more groups presented, notwithstanding any single nominations or a group contesting just the one ward.

At this stage it has been confirmed that Labor, Liberal, the Greens and Independents will be fielding candidates in all wards.

The teams contain some familiar faces and some new to the election process.

Cr. Alison Davey will be seeking to be returned to office, while her closest opponent, Cr. Bob Pynsent will be looking to take over and taking Labor to its former dominant position around the table.

It is understood this will be the first time the Liberal party has fielded teams for all wards. Last election Cr. Cordelia Burcham ran as a Liberal and received solid support.

Alison Davey and Labor’s Jeff Maybury are the longest serving councillors with Cr. Maybury to once again seek election.

The election will be for the popular vote for mayor and three councillors to each of the four wards.

Voting closes at 6pm and depending on the closeness of voting, the mayor and seats on the various wards might not be known until early into the following week.