If the governing body of a municipality with a population of less than one thousand at the time of filing is presented with a petition for dissolution signed by fifteen percent of the registered voters of the municipality, based upon the total number of registered voters at the last preceding general election, the governing body shall call a special election by giving fifty days' published notice to determine whether the municipality must be dissolved. A signature on the petition is not valid if signed more than six months prior to the filing of the petition. If any petition is presented on or after January first prior to the annual municipal election and within sufficient time to comply with the provisions of chapter 9-13, the question of dissolution must be submitted at that annual municipal election.
The vote upon the question of dissolution must be by ballot and cast in the manner provided in chapter 9-13.