FRANKLIN—Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has announced a special election for Tuesday, Aug. 6, to fill the seat that will be vacated when Sen. Harry Blevins, R-Chesapeake, retires Monday, Aug. 5.

Blevins, 77, has indicated he was leaving office to deal with health issues both he and his wife are facing. He is expected to leave office with approximately two years left in his four-year term.

“Senator Blevins has been an outstanding and selfless public servant for the citizens of his district and the Commonwealth for the last 15 years,” McDonnell said. “I had the pleasure of serving with him in the House, and he has been a great ally during my time as attorney general and governor.”

McDowell said that Sen. Blevins has been a tireless advocate on education issues in Virginia, and his presence in the Senate will be missed.

“I wish Senator Blevins all the best for he and his wife as they embark on a new chapter of their lives together,” McDowell said.

Blevins represents the 14th District in Virginia, which includes parts of Franklin, Isle of Wight County and Southampton County. Only voters in Precinct 1, Precinct 2 and part of Precinct 6 can participate in the election. Voters must be registered in the precinct in which they live in order to be qualified to vote.

To be eligible to vote, voters must register or make any address change no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 30. Saturday, Aug. 3 is the final day for in-person voting by absentee ballot.

In addition to regular office hours, the City of Franklin Voter Registrar’s Office, located in the Emergency Services Building, 100 S. Main St., will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 for the convenience of registered voters who are eligible to vote by absentee ballot. That date is the final day for in-person voting by absentee ballot.

For more information, contact Jennifer Maynard, registrar, at 562-8545.