35-1-422. Staggered terms for directors. If there are nine or more directors, the articles of incorporation or bylaws may provide for staggering their terms by dividing the total number of directors into two or three groups, with each group containing as near as possible to one-half or one-third of the total. In that event, the terms of directors in the first group expire at the first annual shareholders' meeting after their election, the terms of the second group expire at the second annual shareholders' meeting after their election, and the terms of the third group, if any, expire at the third annual shareholders' meeting after their election. At each annual shareholders' meeting held thereafter, directors shall be chosen for a term of 2 years or 3 years, as the case may be, to succeed those whose terms expire.