Thousands of Saint John residents will be heading to the polls again in a few short weeks.

A municipal byelection will take place on Dec. 9 to fill a vacant council seat in the city’s Ward 3.

David Hickey, one of two councillors who represent the ward, submitted his resignation on Thursday.

Hickey was elected for the Liberals in the Saint John Harbour riding during Monday’s provincial election.

The Elections Act requires municipal councillors to resign before being sworn in as an MLA.

A special council meeting was held Thursday to accept Hickey’s resignation and declare the vacancy.

Candidates looking to run for Hickey’s seat can file their nomination papers between Nov. 4 and 15.

Ward 3 encompasses the south-central peninsula, parts of the east and west sides, and a tiny portion of the north end.