Five or more persons of lawful age, citizens of this state, may associate themselves together for the purpose of forming a mutual assessment life association. The persons named in the articles of incorporation shall constitute the directors or trustees of the association for the first year, and shall have power to fill all vacancies occurring in the board in the manner provided in the bylaws of the association. Upon complying with the requirements of section 40-216, they may proceed to complete their organization by the election, by ballot, of a president and vice-president from among their number, and a secretary and treasurer, and such other officers as may be necessary for the complete performance of all the business and objects of the association herein provided, to serve for one year, or until their successors are elected and qualified. Such directors and officers shall be elected annually thereafter, at such times as shall be fixed in the bylaws. The directors or trustees shall be elected by the certificate or policyholders at each annual meeting, each certificate or policyholder to be entitled to one vote for every director to be elected. Notice of the annual meeting shall be given by the secretary, by publication in some daily newspaper having general circulation in this state, at least once each week for four consecutive weeks just prior to such meeting. The policies issued by such associations, as well as all other associations now transacting business in this state or hereinafter admitted, which policies shall include a copy of the application and medical examination, shall constitute the entire contract between the association and its members.