Any qualified elector of the city may make and file with the clerk an affidavit, containing the name of the officer to be removed, and a general statement, not to exceed two hundred (200) words, stating the grounds of removal. The clerk shall thereupon deliver, to the elector making such affidavit, a sufficient number of copies of petitions for such recall and removal, printed forms of which he shall keep on hand. Such petitions shall be issued by the clerk, with his signature and official seal thereto attached; they shall be dated and addressed to the mayor and council, shall contain the name of the person to whom issued, the number of forms so issued, the name of the person sought to be removed, the office from which such removal is sought, the grounds of such removal, as stated in said affidavit, a copy of which petition shall be entered in a record book, to be kept for that purpose, in the office of the clerk. Any defect in said form or record shall not invalidate the petition.