A number of candidates have published their total first preference votes on social media.

They are not final results but they do give a clear indication of who remains in contention as the final preferences are calculated.

The final standings are calculated using a complex system. Candidates achieving a so-called quota are elected, and their remaining votes are then distributed according to the preferences listed on their ballot papers. The votes for eliminated candidates are also re-distributed.

Transferred votes tend only to be significant when the gap between the number of first preference votes is relatively narrow.

As it stands, seven of the nine councillor spots look reasonably clear - although all are subject to ratification - with the third places on North and South Wards still too close to call.

In the north ward, Amy Johnson has comfortably retained her place on council. Independent candidate Peter Eddy remains in a seemingly unassailable position to take the second place, having garnered around 16 per cent of total first preference votes.

Greens candidate Ellen Burns is more than 450 votes in front on first preferences for the third councillor position - and would probably be pole position.

However, that margin is narrow enough to change if preferences for the Labor candidates prove strong.

Daniel Moloney, in fourth place in terms of first preference votes, is best placed to challenge for the final seat.

In the Central Ward, the three incumbents - Belinda Coates, Mark Harris and Samantha McIntosh - look set to retain their places on council. Ms Coates was the strongest showing, significantly boosting her share of the vote compared to the previous election.

With more than 1000 votes between third placed candidate Ms McIntosh and fourth-placed Nick Shady, it would be a major surprise if preferences upset that order.

Finally in South Ward, Des Hudson and Ben Taylor have gained more than double the votes of any other candidate and are assured of a return to council.

Mr Hudson is the only Labor-endorsed candidate who will definitely be on the next council.

However, the battle for third place is nail-bitingly close, with just 18 votes separating the Greens candidate Jackson Snep and independent Tracey Hargreaves.

Fifth-placed Jim Rinaldi has more than 200 votes to make up in preferences - an outcome that has been achieved in the past, so Mr Rinaldi must still be viewed as in the running.

The official declaration is due to take place on Friday morning.

A statutory meeting will be held next week on a day yet to be confirmed - but likely to be Wednesday - when the new councillors will be sworn in.

The new councillors will also need to vote upon a mayor and deputy mayor.

If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thankyou very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.