THE council cliff-hanger continues as ballot papers undergo a second count in the next step to determine who will be Newcastle's next mayor.
Independent Ross Kerridge has the edge on incumbent Labor mayor Nuatali Nelmes with 35.19 per cent of the vote to her 31.87 per cent.
Dr Kerridge is 3,146 votes ahead of Cr Nelmes, he said previously he would not declare victory unless Ms Nelmes concedes, and Labor is still holding out for the preference results.
The initial count for polling places, some pre-polls and declaration votes began after the close of voting on election night.
In the weeks following election day, ballot papers undergo a second count, referred to as the 'check count'.
This is the official count to determine the elected candidates.
The check count has started in Newcastle with ballot papers from across more than 45 polling booths, seven pre-poll booths and declaration votes under review.
Preferences still need to be distributed, but the Greens and Liberals, whose candidates are sitting third and fourth respectively, did not encourage preferences for lord mayor.
Any ballot papers without preferences will be exhausted as candidates are ruled out of the race.
For both the mayor and councillors, preferences from the ballot papers are entered into the NSW Electoral Commission's computer count system.
The system then determines the formality of each ballot paper based on the preferences entered.
When all the votes have been counted the returning officer will declare the election in writing.
The time it takes for an official result can vary from council to council depending on the time it takes to count the votes.
Candidates can ask for a recount, but only if they request it in writing and the Electoral Commissioner believes it is necessary, or if it is directed by the commissioner.
The reasons for a recount request should identify a specific error or irregularity about the counting process that the candidate alleges could potentially impact the results of the election.
Any request for a recount must set out the reasons for the request and be lodged with the returning officer within 24 hours of the results being published.
If a recount is approved, candidates do not have to foot the bill, but the commissioner determines how the recount takes place.
The commissioner may decide that all or only some of the ballot papers are to be recounted, depending on the circumstances.
