With voting for the local body elections due to close on Saturday, residents are being urged to make themselves heard.

As of yesterday, less than 23% of voting papers had been returned and today was the last recommended date for posting papers.

Papers must be received by noon on Saturday in order for votes to count.

Those who have yet to mail their votes can drop them in at the Civic Centre until then.

And, for those who have not received voting papers, a voting booth has been set up at the Civic Centre for the casting of special votes.

The booth will be open until Saturday morning.