(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), the twenty-third judicial circuit consists of the counties of Alcona, Arenac, Iosco, and Oscoda and has 2 judges. For purposes of the November 2008 general election only, the term of the candidate for circuit judge in this circuit who receives the highest number of votes is 8 years, and the term of the candidate receiving the second highest number of votes is 6 years.

  (2) Beginning on the earlier of the following dates, the twenty-third judicial circuit has 1 judge:

  (a) The date on which a vacancy occurs in the office of circuit judge in the twenty-third judicial circuit, unless the vacancy occurs after the vacating judge has been defeated in a primary or general election.

  (b) The beginning date of the term for which an incumbent circuit judge in the twenty-third judicial circuit no longer seeks election or reelection to that office.