At the referendum, the proposition to be submitted shall be printed in plain prominent type on ballots separate and distinct from ballots used for any other office or question and shall read substantially as follows:

Check one of the following:

Do you favor the Office of Mayor of the City (Town) of _______ being a full-time position with the City (Town) of _______ for the person elected at the 1996 municipal election and thereafter?

Yes ___ No ___.

The voter shall mark the ballot with a cross mark (x) after the proposition which expresses his or her choice. If voting machines are used at any voting place in the referendum, the proposition may, at the discretion of the election commission or other body or official having charge of the conduct of municipal elections, be submitted as separate propositions on the voting machines.