When Fred Butler is seated as the new mayor of Issaquah at the beginning of 2014, his seat on the council will need to be filled.

The process begins now.

The council will appoint, by majority vote, a person to serve out the remainder of Butler’s term, which expires in Dec. 2015. Qualified candidates must be at least 18-years-old, be a registered voter and a resident of Issaquah at least one year prior to being appointed.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 15, 2014. Applications will be on the city’s website next week.

Once all the applications are received, applicants will present their responses to a series of questions in public at the Jan. 21 council meeting. The city clerk will randomly draw the order in which each candidate will make their presentation.

The council will appoint the individual to fill the vacancy at its Feb. 3 meeting.