Labour Party leader David Cunliffe says he doesn't think the Christchurch East by-election will act as a litmus test on his leadership.
Labour's candidate Poto Williams says some may see the result of the by-election as an indication of how Mr Cunliffe has performed since taking charge of the party in September.
But Mr Cunliffe says his performance is unlikely to have had much sway on voters, who he thinks are more interested in local issues.
Prime Minister John Key is also downplaying suggestions the result might have wider significance, saying the election is unlikely to have a large turnout.
Meanwhile, Registrar of Electors Glen Clark says voters outside the earthquake-affected electorate temporarily while their house is being repaired can stay enrolled in Christchurch East and will be eligible to vote.
Ten candidates have been nominated including Matthew Doocey for the National Party, Gareth Veale for ACT and David Moorhouse for the Green Party.
The by-election was sparked by the resignation of Labour's Lianne Dalziel, now mayor of Christchurch, and takes place on 30 November. All voters must be enrolled by 29 November.