(a) The nomination paper for a director shall contain the name of the candidate and other information as may be required by this article. The nomination paper shall also meet either of the following requirements:
(1) The nomination paper shall be signed by a minimum of 50 voters of the respective ward.
(2) The nomination paper shall include a filing fee in the amount of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) in lieu of signatures.
(b) All nomination papers shall be filed with, and all in-lieu fees shall be paid to, the county elections official in the county or counties in which the candidate is running.