All cooperative corporations, companies, or associations heretofore organized and doing business under prior statutes, or which have attempted to so organize and do business, shall have the benefit of all of the provisions of this act, and be bound thereby, on paying the fees provided for in this act and filing with the secretary of state, a written declaration signed and sworn to by the president and secretary to the effect that said cooperative company or association has by a majority vote of its stockholders decided to accept the benefits of and be bound by the provisions of this act. No association organized under this act shall be required to do or perform anything not specifically required herein, in order to become a corporation, or to continue its business as such.