Where lands which are within a proposed or existing irrigation district are owned by a corporation, by the United States, or by this state, such corporation, and any department or agency of the United States or of this state, in order to participate in any district election, by an instrument in writing, executed and acknowledged by the proper officer or officers of such corporation, department, or agency, shall designate an agent to vote in its behalf. Such instrument shall be presented to and filed with the county auditor by such agent.
SDCL 46A-4-18