If it is found that the recall petition does not contain the requisite number of signatures of certified legal voters, the secretary of the irrigation district shall so notify the person filing the petition, and specify the number of additional signatures required to make the petition valid. The petition must be perfected within thirty (30) days of the date that the secretary finds the petition defective for lack of certified signatures. If the petition is not perfected within the thirty (30) day period, the secretary shall declare the petition null and void ab initio in its entirety.