Sec. 5. (a) Except as provided in section 17 of this chapter:
(1) IC 14-33-2-3(1);
(2) IC 14-33-2-3(2);
(3) IC 14-33-2-3(3);
(4) IC 14-33-2-3(5);
(5) IC 14-33-2-4; and
(6) IC 14-33-2-6;
apply to the petition filed under section 2 of this chapter.
(b) The petition must also state that the petitioners desire an election in the districts on the question of merger.