Advance voting numbers were down nearly 300 ballots in the Melfort constituency, as voters head to the polls to elect a new Member of the Legislative Assembly.

A total of 1,269 ballots were cast over five days - down from the 1,550 cast during the general election in 2016.

Elections Saskatchewan is reporting that typically they do see lower numbers for by-elections.

In the two Saskatoon by-elections held in 2017, percentages were down around 15% from the general election.

Election day takes place on Thursday for the Melfort riding, as well as a pair of other by-elections in Swift Current and Kindersley.

Swift Current had the highest advance voting turnout with over 1,600 taking part, while Kindersley came in below Melfort at just over 1,100 voters.

Nominated for the Sask Party is Todd Goudy. Lorne Schroeder represents the New Democrats on the Melfort ballot, while Shawn Setyo has his name standing for the Green Party.

By-election voter turnout

February 23: 279
February 24: 243
February 25: 205
February 26: 251
February 27: 291