Dunedin voters are starting slowly this year, with figures for early returns falling behind the last three elections.

Following the opening of voting recently, 7183 local government voting forms had been returned by Friday.

That number makes up a little over 8% of all votes.

It is less than the 10% at the same point in 2010, 12% in 2007, and 11% in 2004.

Low voter turn-outs have caused concern in the last decade, after dropping below 50% in 2007.

The elections will decide who will fill seats on the Dunedin city and Otago regional councils, and the Southern District Health Board.