(a)
(1) Any incorporated town in this state may become a city of the second class by the adoption and publication of an ordinance, duly adopted and published as provided by law, converting the incorporated town into a city of the second class. However, after the adoption and publication of the ordinance, the qualified voters of the town shall vote in any general election or a special election called by the mayor to be held in accordance with § 7-11-201 et seq., in favor of the ordinance.
(2) If a majority of the qualified electors voting in the election vote in favor of the ordinance, a certified copy of the ordinance shall be filed with the Secretary of State. Thereupon the incorporated town shall become a city of the second class.
(b)
(1) The officers of the incorporated town, upon filing with the Secretary of State the certified copy of the ordinance, shall immediately become officers of the city of the second class with full authority to proceed, do, and perform any and all things for, and on behalf of, the city of the second class as if elected as officers of the city of the second class. They shall serve as officers for the full period of time for which they were elected or until their successors are elected and qualified.
(2)
(A) At the regular time for holding election of officers of incorporated towns, there shall be an election for the election of officers of the city of the second class, who shall hold office as officers of the city of the second class until the next regular time fixed by law for electing officers of a city of the second class or until their successors are elected and qualified.
(B) However, the mayor of the incorporated town which has been raised to a city of the second class may call a special election by proclamation, to be held in accordance with § 7-11-101 et seq., which shall be published by two (2) insertions in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the city is located. This special election shall be held for the purpose of electing officers for the city of the second class.