UPDATE 10.10PM: JUDY Peters has a 7% lead over her closest rival with 48.12% of the votes counted in Division 9 and looks likely to retain the seat by a slight margin.

In second place Simon Obst has 25.18% of the votes with the division's other candidates Robert McGill and Brad Evan also taking a decent piece of the pie with 21.55% and 20.68% respectively.

UPDATE 8.15PM: The Division 9 count has started with Judy Peters taking the top spot so far at 38.07% of votes.

Simon Obst is in second place on 22.17% while Robert McGill following closely behind on 21.69%.

Brad Evans currently sits on 18.07%.

Candidates in Division 9

Candidates have spent much of Election Day at the division's main polling booth, Bundaberg East State School. Only time will tell whether Brad Evans, Simon Obst, Rob McGill or Judy Peters will come out in front.

Brad Evans

With about an hour to go before voting closes candidate Brad Evans said the day had been an amazing and wonderful experience after six months of hard work.

"The feedback is that everyone wants a great change in local government and they want some young blood," he said.

"It's been full on, I think I managed to door knock about 99% of the houses in the area, I've done everything I can.

"Whether I win or not it's definitely something I'd encourage everyone to do if they want to make a change and care about where they live." 

Simon Obst

For Simon Obst seeing so many candidates contest the 2016 has been a huge positive and was looking forward to seeing it through.

He predicts a declaration of the winner will come tomorrow.

"It's been good but it's hard to tell until the votes come in," he said.

"It was busy this morning with voters and you get a nod from a few as they walk in and out but you never know.

"I think it will be a quiet night, I'm not sure when it will be declared but I don't think it will be tonight.

"I think we'll just have to wait to tomorrow to see how it pans out."

Rob McGill

Division 9 candidate Rob McGill said he'd  spent most of Election Day at Bundaberg East State School with short stints at Kepnock, South and Kalkie schools as well.

"It's been good but it's a bit of a gamble, a jackpot," he said.

"You wouldn't nominate unless you were confident but you don't really know until the votes come in later on tonight.

"Time will tell and whatever happens is what was meant to be." 

Judy Peters

The NewsMail has tried to contact Judy Peters but have not had a response yet.