Ballot counting is underway to decide the next civic leader of northern Australia's largest city.

Voters were given until 6pm on Saturday to complete their postal ballots for the Townsville mayoral by-election, which was triggered by the resignation of former suspended mayor Troy Thompson.

Mr Thompson resigned amid a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation, but has denied any wrongdoing and is again contesting the role.

Eight candidates are vying for the mayoral role, while nine are listed on the ballot.

Candidate Sean Gleeson confirmed his withdrawal from the race last month.

The Townsville mayoral by-election is the largest full postal ballot to be conducted by the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ), with about 142,000 enrolled voters living in the city council area.

On

See Full Page