If electors who together own or hold ten percent or more of the whole number of acres [hectares] in the district, subject to assessments for irrigation costs, at the hearing on the petition, object in writing to the inclusion of the lands therein mentioned, the board shall, by resolution, order an election to submit to the electors of the district the question whether or not the lands mentioned in the petition or any part thereof shall be included.
N.D.C.C. § 61-10-28