(a) After a copy of the proposed charter has been certified to the county election commission, as provided in § 5-1-208, it shall be the duty of the county election commission to hold a referendum election for the ratification or rejection of the proposed charter.

(b) The ballots used in the election shall have printed on them a brief summary of the proposed charter as required by § 2-5-208(f). The ballots shall be prepared so as to provide a choice for voters as follows:

(c) The referendum election shall be held at the time of the next general election. Notice of the referendum election shall be given as required in other elections on questions submitted to the vote of the people.

(d) The proposed charter shall be deemed ratified and adopted if it is approved by a majority of those voting in the referendum.

(e)

(1) The returns of the referendum election shall be certified by the county election commission to the secretary of state, together with a copy of the charter previously filed with such county election commission by the charter commission.

(2) Thereupon, the secretary of state shall issue a proclamation showing the result of such election on the adoption or rejection of the proposed charter, one (1) copy of which proclamation shall be attached to the copy of the charter theretofore certified to the secretary of state and one (1) copy of which shall be delivered to the county clerk, who shall attach the same to the copy of the charter theretofore certified to such county clerk.

(3) Whenever a charter form of county government has been adopted, such two (2) certified copies with proclamations attached thereto shall be deemed duplicate original copies of the charter of such government.

(4) The certified copy of the charter and proclamation deposited with the county clerk shall subsequently be delivered by such county clerk to such officer of the county government as the charter may direct.