Mont. Code § 85-7-1602
At any time after March 7, 1959, in the event that it is deemed advisable or desirable for any irrigation districts to operate under the direction of a board of control as herein provided, the boards of commissioners of the districts, after petition requesting the same be received and filed with them, must call an election to put the question before the landowners of the districts which are petitioned to be joined. In the event a majority of the landowners of each district, as provided by 85-7-1710, vote for organizing such board of control, then the commissioners of each district will be authorized and directed to enter into such contract to operate the districts in accordance with the terms of this part as provided by 85-7-1601. The election herein provided shall be conducted in the same manner and the same persons shall be entitled to vote thereat as provided for elections of commissioners of irrigation districts, in accordance with 85-7-1702, 85-7-1710, and 85-7-1712.
§ 85-7-1602, MCA