A petition to review a question concerning the certification of an employee organization under procedures established by a local government pursuant to section 206.1 of the act (hereinafter called a petition for review), may be filed by one or more public employees within the affected negotiating unit or any employee organization acting in their behalf, or by a public employer; provided, however, that individual employees may not seek certification. Petitions under this section shall be in writing and signed. An original and four copies of the petition shall be filed with the director. Petition forms will be supplied by the board upon request, or will be available on the agency’s website. Should the chairperson authorize electronic filing of petitions, the filing of a paper original consistent with this section and electronic filing and service of a copy shall constitute compliance with the filing and service requirements herein contained. Before the submission of a case to the board pursuant to section 202.8 of this Title, the petition may be withdrawn only with the consent of the director. After the submission of a case to the board, the petition may be withdrawn only with consent of the board. Whenever the director or the board, as the case may be, approves withdrawal of any petition, the case shall be closed.