Upon being certified by the State Board of Agriculture and Industries as provided in Section 2-8-5, such association shall thereupon be fully authorized and empowered to hold and conduct on the part of the Alabama cattle owners a referendum wherein they shall be entitled to vote on the question of whether or not they shall levy upon themselves an assessment under and subject to and for the purpose stated in this article. The referendum may be conducted either on a statewide or area basis as may be determined by the certified association.