Jensen Appointed to Redistricting Commission

In a statement this week, Gov. McDonnell appointed Jean Jensen (PLP 1996), member of the Sorensen Institute State Advisory Board, to the new Independent Bipartisan Advisory Commission on Redistricting.

Jean served as Deputy, then Secretary of the State Board of Elections from 2001 to 2007, appointed by Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. During her time of service, she had the unique opportunity to initiate the implementation of the mandates of the federal Help America Vote Act that allocated $60 million to improve the electoral process in Virginia.

The Independent Bipartisan Advisory Commission on Redistricting "will create and review proposed redistricting plans for the Virginia House of Delegates, Senate of Virginia, and Congressional districts. The Commission will then recommend plans that meet the required criteria to the General Assembly."  

Gov. McDonnell has also appointed Sean O'Brien, Executive Director of the Center for the Constitution at James Madison's Montpelier and former Executive Director of the Sorensen Institute.

Dr. Quentin Kidd of Christopher Newport University, longtime faculty member for Sorensen's Youth Programs, will be among those supporting the Commission's work in an advisory capacity.