Mt Albert by-election underway

Residents of Auckland's Mt Albert electorate are now voting to choose a new Member of Parliament. The by-election is being held to decide who will succeed former Prime Minister Helen Clark, who held the seat for 27 years and has taken up a top job at the United Nations.

Voting runs until seven tonight. Election officials have set up 28 polling places around the community, including at a number of school and church halls.

The Chief Electoral Officer's advising voters to take their EasyVote card with them to make the process as smooth as possible.

Results are expected to start trickling in soon after polling places close, with a final result due be known by 10 o'clock this evening.

- Newstalk ZB