If at least twenty percent of the qualified electors of a county, as determined by the number of votes cast for the office of governor at the preceding general election, shall petition the board of county commissioners for:
the board of county commissioners shall submit the question presented by the petition to the qualified electors of the county at a special election to be held in connection with the next statewide primary or general election, whichever is specified in the petition.
N.D.C.C. § 11-12-01