N.D. Cent. Code § 11-31-01.1
Upon the filing with the county auditor of a petition signed by not less than five percent of the qualified electors of the county as determined by the total number of votes cast in the last election, representing not less than seven percent of the voting precincts of the county, asking that an election be held on the question of the creation of the office of county highway engineer, the board of county commissioners shall submit the question at the next regular primary or general election. Notice of the election shall be given in the manner prescribed by law for the submission of questions to the qualified electors of a county under the general election law. If a majority of the votes cast on the question are in favor thereof, the office of county highway engineer shall be established and the board of county commissioners shall fill such office by appointment. The office so created shall not be terminated except upon the instruction of a majority of the qualified electors voting on the question in an election similarly held but any engineer appointed to fill such office may be removed from office by action of the board.
N.D.C.C. § 11-31-01.1