Kevin Rudd’s Labor successor is still favourite to take over his old seat as Griffith voters head to the polls.

Labor’s Terri Butler, an employment and industrial relations lawyer, will have history on her side given the government has not claimed an opposition seat in a by-election since 1920.

A total of 97,857 people are enrolled to vote in the Brisbane-based electorate on Saturday, after Mr Rudd quit parliament following Labor’s drubbing.

Although favoured, Ms Butler is expected to face tough competition from the Liberal National Party’s (LNP) Bill Glasson, who contested the seat against Mr Rudd at the September general election.

He beat Mr Rudd on the primary vote, but lost out due to preferences.

Political analysts say Mr Glasson has a higher profile and could benefit from an expected low turnout typical of by-elections, but it’s unlikely to be enough to get him over the line.

Preferences, most of which will go against Mr Glasson, are likely to be his downfall.

Sportingbet earlier this week rated Ms Butler a $1.06 favourite but those odds have drifted out slightly, while Mr Glasson’s shortened as polling day closed in.

There are also nine other candidates from minor parties or standing as independents, including Kevin Rudd impersonator Anthony Ackroyd, who will contest the seat.

Polling booths are open from 8am to 6pm.