The deadline for persons residing in the Borough of Northampton’s first ward interested in filling the seat of Robert Coleman, who resigned from his council seat April 20, have until this coming Monday, May 8, to file an application.

Council could vote as early as May 18 when it holds the second of its monthly meetings - sooner if a special session is sought, which appears unlikely.

The appointment’s term ends Dec. 31, 2017, when Coleman’s present term would have ended.

There are two council members from each of the borough’s four wards on the eight-member legislative body. Councilman Keith Piescienski is the other council member from the first ward.

The criteria for the seat is applicants must be registered voters.

There reportedly have been several persons who picked up the applications for consideration for the appointment. While no one had formally applied by the beginning of the week, that is likely to change in the coming days.

Although no resident from the first ward filled out a nominating petition - Democrat or Republican - as a candidate in the May 16 primary election ballot, voters in the first-ward precinct will not see any name from individuals seeking the office, a four-year term, which would be decided in the November general election. However, if an individual secures a number of write-in votes, he or she would be the first-ward council candidate in the fall, which has taken place previously in the borough.