(a) Elections to choose directors shall be conducted, the returns made and the results ascertained in the manner provided by law for general county elections except as otherwise provided by law, and any qualified person desiring to be a candidate for director shall file a candidate’s declaration of intention in the manner provided in Kan. Stat. Ann. § 25-21a03, and amendments thereto, and Kan. Stat. Ann. § 25-205, and amendments thereto, accompanied by a filing fee of $20, with the county election officer of the county wherein the district is located, and the election officer in making up the ballots. The county election officer shall remit such filing fees to the county treasurer for deposit in the county general fund. The county election officer shall cause to be ascertained the names of all persons within the district who are also qualified electors, and shall furnish lists thereof to the judges of the election.

(b) Notice of the time and place of holding each election, shall be published in a newspaper published in the county in accordance with procedures established in Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 25-105 and 25-209, and amendments thereto, and posted in a conspicuous place in the office of the board of directors at least five days before the holding thereof. At all elections and meetings held under the provisions of this act, only persons who are qualified electors shall be entitled to vote. In counties having a population of more than 150,000, at all elections and meetings held under the provisions of this act, only persons who are taxpayers and residents of the district who are qualified electors shall be entitled to vote. All election expenses shall be paid for out of the general fund of the drainage district. Election officials shall receive the same compensation as provided under the general election laws.

(c) As used in this section, “taxpayer” means any person who owns any real property or tangible property within the district who pays taxes assessed on such property.