Per the Longmont city charter, any vacancy that occurs with more than one year remaining in a term will be replaced through a special election. Martin’s official resignation date falls outside of that window, requiring a replacement to be appointed by city council to fill out the remainder of the term. The city will accept applications from Ward 2 residents for the seat Dec. 16 through Jan. 8 and will conduct public interviews during its Jan. 21 first meeting in place of an open forum. Swearing-in of the new representative for Ward 2 will be scheduled for Jan. 28.