The NSW Electoral Commission announced that its public calculation of preferences had been rescheduled for Friday at 1pm.

The Commission this week delayed the preferences calculation, which was originally set for 9am on Thursday.

“A total of 14,980 pre-poll votes were cast, which represents a 27 per cent increase since the last election which was held for the Wagga Wagga District in March 2015,” the commission stated.

“In addition, the number of ballot papers marked with multiple preferences has increased significantly from previous elections resulting in additional effort and time to count.”

According to the final count of first preference votes, Liberal candidate Julia Ham is slightly ahead on 25.52 per cent of the votes, followed by independent Joe McGirr on 25.42 per cent.

Labor candidate Dan Hayes conceded defeat on Monday.

Political experts consider it highly likely the Mr McGirr will win on preferences, as no high-polling candidates urged their followers to send their preferences to Mrs Ham.