If each petition is signed by the requisite number of persons who are voters in each of the affected counties and, if the petition conforms to the requirements of section 371.02, the secretary of state shall notify the governor of the filing. The affidavits of persons obtaining the signatures shall be prima facie evidence that each petition is signed by persons who are voters in each of the affected counties. The governor shall issue a proclamation at least 60 days before the election, stating that the petitions have been filed, the substance of the petitions, and directing that the question of consolidation shall be submitted to the voters of the affected counties at the election.
Minn. Stat. § 371.03
(637-3) 1933 c 273 s 3; 1985 c 109 s 2