On or before April second in even-numbered years before the time of holding the statewide primary election, the secretary of state shall prepare and transmit to each county election officer a notice in writing, designating the offices for which candidates are to be nominated at such statewide primary election. Upon receipt of such notice each county election officer shall forthwith publish so much thereof as may be applicable to his county, once each week for three consecutive weeks, in the official county paper. Such notice so published shall state the time when such primary election will be held, together with the offices for which candidates are to be nominated.