First past the post will be the system used by the Waitaki District Council and Oamaru Licensing Trust in the October 2013 local body elections, unless people demand a change.
Both authorities have used the system since local body reforms in 1989, despite in recent elections having a choice.
Both are also required to make a decision before each election on the system that will be used, then publicly advertise it for the public to comment.
However, electors have a right to demand a poll to countermand the decision.
To do that, the demand for a poll must be signed by at least 5% of the number of electors entitled to vote at the previous election.
In the case of the trust, that would require 673 valid signatures and for the council 781 valid signatures.
Any demand for a poll to change the electoral system has to be lodged with the council by 5pm on February 28.
Local bodies have the choice of two systems - first past the post (FPP) or the single transferable vote (STV).
