Within 90 days after the effective date of this Act, the University of Illinois Extension shall determine by referendum whether the affected equine owners in Illinois assent to the levy, collection, and use of an equine feed assessment in accordance with this Act. The University of Illinois Extension shall be compensated for all costs associated with conducting the referendum. The results shall be certified by an independent auditing firm located in Illinois and submitted to the Director within 30 days after certification. All qualified Illinois equine owners shall be entitled to one vote.
     Voting shall be at locations throughout the State on a day and during a time period as specified by the University of Illinois Extension. Provisions shall be made for absentee voting. Publicity and notification of the referendum date, absentee voting procedures, and voting locations shall be provided in the appropriate trade publications and in the public press at least 3 weeks prior to the date of the referendum.
     Upon approval by the majority of qualified Illinois equine owners and certification by an independent auditing firm located in Illinois, the Board shall be established and authorized to levy an assessment on horse feed in accordance with this Act.