When a person is refused registration by a registration official, the official shall at the time of the refusal give to the registration applicant, in writing, the reason or reasons for the refusal. The person shall have the right to an immediate appeal to the area election supervisor, which appeal may be taken informally, and either verbally or in writing. When a voter is refused registration by an area election supervisor the action shall be reviewed by the superior court of the judicial district; the area election supervisor shall file a petition with the superior court for a judicial determination. If the petition is filed within 45 days before the date of a statewide election, the petition shall be given precedence over other matters pending before the court.