(1) A special election ordered under section 836 shall be conducted by mail. Not later than 5 days after the order, the city or township clerk shall send a ballot to each elector whose name was entered in the poll book as having voted in that precinct at the election.

    (2) The ballot shall include a request from the board of canvassers that the elector cast a ballot as the elector did or attempted to cast at the election.

    (3) Electors shall have 5 days after the date of mailing to return the ballot to the city or township clerk either by mail or in person.