(1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3), the third district consists of the counties of St. Joseph and Branch, is a district of the first class and is divided into the following election divisions:

    (a) The first division consists of the county of Branch and has 1 judge.

    (b) The second division consists of the county of St. Joseph and has 1 judge.

    (2) If the county of Branch approves the creation of the third-a district pursuant to law and the county of St. Joseph approves the creation of the third-b district pursuant to section 8176, the third-a district consists of the county of Branch, is a district of the first class, and has 1 judge.

    (3) If the county of Branch approves the creation of the third-a district pursuant to law and the county of St. Joseph approves the creation of the third-b district pursuant to section 8176, the third-b district consists of the county of St. Joseph, is a district of the first class, and has 1 judge. Subject to section 8175, this district may have 1 additional judge effective January 1, 1991. If a new office of judge is added to this district to be filled by election in 1990, the term of office of the judge for that election only shall be 4 years.