Section 4.1-09-23 - Advisory referendum1.a. When petitioned to do so by fifteen percent of the participating producers, the council shall conduct a referendum among the participating producers of the state to determine the amount by which the assessment imposed by this chapter should be raised or lowered.b. To be considered a valid petition, no more than fifty percent of the participating producers who signed the petition may reside in one district.2. The council shall prepare the ballots and mail the ballots to each participating producer at least thirty days before the last date for filing ballots.3. Each ballot must include a statement indicating: a. The date on which the petition was filed and the number of signatures on the petition;b. The date, time, and location at which the council will open and tabulate the ballots;c. The last date by which the ballots must be postmarked or filed with the council; andd. That any participating producer may be present at the time the ballots are opened and tabulated.4. The date selected by the council for the opening and tabulation of ballots must be at least five days after the date by which ballots must be postmarked or filed with the council.5. If the majority of the participating producers voting upon the question are in favor of the proposed change, the council shall submit proposed legislation to the next regular session of the legislative assembly.