1. (a) The following apply to a petition or remonstrance that is filed under section 6 of this chapter:

   1. (1) The petition or remonstrance must show the following:

      1. (A) The date on which each individual signed the petition or remonstrance.
      2. (B) The residence of each individual on the date the individual signed the petition or remonstrance.

   2. (2) The petition or remonstrance must include an affidavit of the individual circulating the petition or remonstrance, stating that each signature on the petition or remonstrance:

      1. (A) was affixed in the individual's presence; and
      2. (B) is the true signature of the individual who signed the petition or remonstrance.
   3. (3) Several copies of the petition or remonstrance may be executed. The total of the copies constitutes a petition or remonstrance. A copy must include an affidavit described in subdivision (2). A signer may file a petition or remonstrance, or a copy of a petition or remonstrance. All copies constituting a petition or remonstrance must be filed on the same day.

   4. (4) The clerk of the circuit court of the county containing the townships or parts of townships shall do the following:

      1. (A) If a name appears more than one (1) time on a petition or on a remonstrance, the clerk must strike any duplicates of the name until the name appears only one (1) time on a petition or a remonstrance, or both, if the individual signed both a petition and a remonstrance.
      2. (B) Strike the name from a petition or remonstrance of an individual who personally, in the clerk's office, makes a written and signed request for the clerk to strike the individual's name.

      3. (C) Certify the number of signatures on the petition and remonstrance, if any, that:

         1. (i) are not duplicates; and

         2. (ii) represent individuals who are registered voters in the townships or parts of townships on the day the individuals signed the petition or remonstrance.

            The clerk of the circuit court may only strike an individual's name from a petition or a remonstrance as set forth in clauses (A) and (B).

2. (b) The clerk of the circuit court shall complete the certification required under subsection (a) not more than fifteen (15) days after the petition or remonstrance is filed.

   [Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-14-5.1-4.]

As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.49.