Whenever a requirement in this Code for the publication of any notice of an election cannot be complied with because of the absence of any qualified newspaper of local or general circulation in accordance with such requirements, notice shall be given by posting the required notice in 5 public places in the political subdivision. Notwithstanding any other publication of notice requirement, notice of municipal elections and referenda in municipalities with a population of less than 500 persons may be given by posting the required notice in 5 public places in the municipality in lieu of publication.