(a) The offices held by the seven justices of the supreme court shall be separate and distinct offices, each to be filled by the selection of a candidate for that particular place.

(b) A separate ballot shall be used for election upon the question of retention of justices of the supreme court and such elections shall be conducted as provided in article 3, section 5 of the constitution of Kansas. Election laws applicable to the general elections of other state officers shall apply to elections upon the question of retention of justices of the supreme court to the extent the same are not in conflict with and are consistent with said article 3, section 5.