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The initiative and referendum process shall begin by the presentation of a petition to the Auditor for registration. Upon registration of a petition and approval of the ballot title, the time period for the gathering of signatures shall begin. If petitions with sufficient signatures are filed within the appropriate time limit, the measure shall be transmitted to the Commissioners for enactment or placement on the ballot.

The Commissioners shall by ordinance establish the form of the initiative, referendum and Charter amendment petitions and establish a procedure for the approval of ballot titles and regulation of the procedures for the circulation and signing of petitions. Upon presentation of a proposed petition, the Auditor shall determine within three days (Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays excepted) whether the petition is in proper form and shall notify the sponsors in writing. If the petition is not in proper form, the Auditor shall refuse to register the petition and return it to the sponsor with a detailed written explanation of the defects. Upon the determination that a proper petition has been presented, and upon approval of the ballot title, the petition shall be registered. If the final date for the filing of a petition falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the date shall be extended to the next working day. The Commissioners may by ordinance provide that a sampling procedure may be used in verifying whether a sufficient number of signatures has been obtained.