If you are a Cape Coral resident, an American citizen and over the age of 18, you could be the next mayor.

The Cape Coral City Council voted Monday to accept applications starting today for the mayor position that will become available when current Mayor Eric Feichthaler resigns Nov. 17.

Feichthaler was forced to resign this summer when he announced he would run for the District 1 Lee County Commission seat. He narrowly lost out to incumbent Bob Janes in the Aug. 26 Republican primary.

“I’d like a smooth transition with whomever it is,” Feichthaler said.

The city will accept applications, including those from current council members, for the position until Oct. 14. The council will then interview applicants and appoint a mayor at their Nov. 17 meeting.

Some council members said they want to have a smooth transition by appointing someone from the dais as mayor.

“We need to appoint from council,” said Councilmember Dolores Bertolini.

Councilmember Tim Day announced last week that he would apply for the mayor’s seat, but voted for a replacement process that would be open to members of the public.

Despite his vote, Day said he does not want to see people who lost an election be appointed mayor.

“I’ve been elected twice, someone who’s been turned down by voters shouldn’t be mayor,” he said.

Those interested in applying for the mayor’s position can pick up applications at the City Clerk’s office.