(a) The county board of elections shall submit the question of code home rule to the voters of the county for their adoption or rejection:

(1) at the next regular congressional election; and

(2) in accordance with the requirements of the Election Law Article as to time, notice, and form.

(b) The ballot shall contain the words “For Adoption of Code Home Rule” and “Against Adoption of Code Home Rule”.

(c) Within 10 days after receiving a certification of the vote on the referendum from the county board of elections:

(1) if a majority of those who voted on the question voted in favor of adoption of code home rule:

(i) the county commissioners publicly shall so proclaim; and

(ii) on the 30th day after the public proclamation, the county shall become a code county; or

(2) if less than a majority of those who voted on the question voted in favor of adoption of code home rule:

(i) the county commissioners publicly shall so proclaim; and

(ii) the proclamation shall state that the proposal to adopt code home rule is not approved.

(d) After the adoption or rejection of code home rule, the county commissioners promptly shall send notification as follows:

(1) five copies to the Department of Legislative Services;

(2) one copy to the Secretary of State;

(3) one copy to the State Archives; and

(4) one copy to the Maryland Thurgood Marshall State Law Library.