At any general state election propositions may be submitted to the electors on such subjects as the port commission of a port district may by resolution prescribe subject to the limitations and pursuant to the requirements of this act. At the request of the port commission the governing body of the cities or townships or the county or counties comprising the port district shall call a special election for the submission of propositions and the expenses of such elections shall be paid by the port district. It shall be the duty of the election officials of the cities or townships or the county or counties in a port district to prepare the ballots or voting machines for general or special elections so that questions submitted by the port commission shall be submitted to the electors. The canvass of votes on such questions shall, if the port district be located in a single county, be made by the board of county canvassers, and if it be located in more than 1 county, be made by the board of state canvassers. The general election laws of the state shall govern the conduct of all such elections and the qualifications of electors.