The Aurora City Council is looking for someone to fill its Ward Two seat after Councilwoman Nicole Johnston announced she would be resigning from her position in June.

Johnston, elected in 2017, said she is resigning to move her children to Colorado Springs to be closer to their father. She will be beginning a new job as project manager of the Community Health Partnership Suicide Prevention Collaborative.

With her resignation, the rest of the City Council must appoint someone to finish Johnston’s term, lasting until the general election in November.

Aurora City Council candidates must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen and a registered voter. Candidates cannot have been convicted of a felony, hold other elective public office or be a salaried employee of the city.

Candidates also must have lived in Aurora and in Ward Two for at least one year.

Only one Aurora City Council member signed up to defend their open seat in November

Ward Two comprises the northeast area of Aurora, including neighborhoods from Buckley Air Force Base to Denver International Airport, and from Star K Ranch to the Colorado Air and Space Port.

Johnston’s last day will be on June 14. The City Council has 45 days after her departure to appoint her replacement.

Applications to fill the vacant seat will be accepted until May 20.

Those interested can apply by downloading the application at AuroraGov.org and submitting it to the City Clerk’s Office via email, fax or mail. Questions should be directed to cityclerk@auroragov.org or 303-739-7094.

The City Council will review all candidates in a study session meeting on June 7, a public Q&A session in mid-June, a candidate interview on June 21 and a final council vote on June 28. The chosen candidate will be sworn in on July 12.

All City Council meetings and study sessions are open to the public and can be viewed at AuroraTV.org.

Interested candidates can also run in the upcoming general election to serve Ward Two after the temporary term has ended.

So far, Ward Two’s only registered candidate Idris Keith, 46, a lawyer who ran unsuccessfully for an Arapahoe County Commission seat in 2020. His campaign goals include investing in neighborhoods and decreasing traffic and crime.

Candidates must submit petitions to the city to be put on the ballot, with ward candidates requiring 50 signatures.

Candidates have until Aug. 24 to file to run for the general City Council election.