Wellingtonians are being assured their votes will not go to waste after a Health Ministry official pulled out of standing for the Capital and Coast District Health Board.
Director of Public Health Dr Mark Jacobs withdrew his candidacy on Monday after controversy about potential conflicts of interest.
About 10% of Wellington residents who are eligible to vote have already returned their papers.
Under the STV system used for health board elections, candidates are ranked in order of preference.
Wellington Electoral Officer Ross Bly says votes for Dr Jacobs will go to the next candidate selected by the voter.
