In a poignant conclusion to her tenure as Bexar County’s election overseer, Jacque Callanen, who has navigated the electoral landscape for nearly two decades, depleted the last of the paperclips tied to her predecessor’s dramatic downfall in the infamous 2002 election debacle.
The memorable 2002 election notably featured a two-page ballot that, at the time, was a significant departure from traditional voting methods. This complicated format infuriated election officials, exacerbated by the paper-clipped ballots that jammed the counting process and subsequently delayed result announcements by an astounding three days.
This year, with Callanen set to step down on January 24, Bexar County leaders have deemed new leadership essential to effectively manage the needs of an expanding population that has outpaced previous electoral frameworks.
Against a backdrop of shifting voter engagement, local officials expressed concern over the electoral participation this November, which saw 14,000 fewer ballots than in the 2020 election, despite a notable 9.7% rise in registered voters compared to the last presidential election.
However, as she prepares to leave, unease lingers among political operatives and elected officials regarding the search for a competent successor capable of weathering the unpredictable policy shifts, political scrutiny on Texas’ urban areas, and the increased harassment that has compelled many professionals in the election field to reconsider their roles.
Bexar County has enlisted a recruiter in a nationwide effort to find an elections administrator equipped to navigate the turbulent waters of modern electoral politics, which have seen escalating aggressiveness and demands.
Despite her impeccable reputation among fellow election officials, Callanen has not been immune to the backlash common in a hyper-political environment where partisanship frequently overshadows fair governance.
While election administrators in other regions have actively worked to extend voting access, including augmenting polling locations and enabling drive-thru voting, Callanen has resisted such movements, defending her strategy and decision-making even against litigation stemming from allegations of insufficient polling sites, which led to last-minute changes mandated by judicial orders in 2020 and 2022.
An unyielding cardboard box on her desk, brimming with lawsuits against her, underscores the reality of her role. Among the latest additions is a lawsuit instigated by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who challenged the county for hiring a voter registration vendor—an action Callanen had cautioned county commissioners against.
Despite these pressures, Callanen’s multitude of supporters commend her for strategically choosing when to engage in battle while artfully sidestepping the contentious fallout that has ensnared others in the sector.
By contrast, Callanen has remained focused on adapting to the shifting rules dictated by the state, even as these changes have complicated her operations. Since her initial employment in 1996, the landscape has alternated between electronic voting and paper ballots, with the most significant shake-ups occurring in 2021 with the introduction of stringent measures on mail-in voting.
As Callanen prepares to exit, she reflects on the unique challenges and triumphs of her long career that aligns with her steadfast dedication to voter access and election integrity. In stark contrast to her predecessor’s tumultuous legacy, Callanen remained committed to her principles, ensuring that those wanting to vote had the means to do so.
Sitting behind her desk the day after the election, Callanen is visibly worn from the exhaustive process that comes with overseeing a significant electoral event. She and her 24-person staff are grappling with common post-election fatigue as the high-energy atmosphere subsides after weeks of relentless work.
Election officials across the country underscore the need for improved work-life balance to attract new talent to what can be a grueling profession. At 79, the physical toll of her role is evident; however, her passion for protecting the civil right to vote remains unwavering.
Following the tumultuous ousting of the previous elections administrator in 2002, Callanen transitioned from being a third-grade teacher to leading a crucial department. “As I was learning, I would step into every single position in the office,” she explained, emphasizing her hands-on approach as essential for effective management.
Through the years, a box of paperclips—a symbol of the chaos of 2002—has been a constant reminder of the challenges presented by evolving electoral demands. Callanen has relentlessly worked to prevent similar problems from arising by streamlining processes and adhering closely to procedural rules.
Although some critics have suggested that Callanen’s reluctance to adjust locations and resources to meet increasing voter demands may ultimately compromise efficiency and accessibility, she staunchly defends her methodology by emphasizing voter trust in familiar polling sites.
Understanding the difficulties that arise from lines at polling places, she is clear about her commitment to making elections accessible, while also expressing pride in the civic engagement evident in high voter turnout.
Looking ahead, the pressure mounts as Bexar County seeks a new elections administrator capable of handling the complexities and demands that may soon descend in the lead-up to the mayoral election.
“The fact that we don’t have a new elections administrator — or at least the search for it even started — we should have done this two years ago,” Barberena remarked during a pre-election panel discussion.
As a final act of closure before stepping down, Callanen has deliberately chosen January 24, the day she will be honored alongside her close-knit staff—a ritual her office cherishes, marked by watching the inauguration over brunch, allowing for a moment of celebration and camaraderie.
“One of the most proud moments I will have is the feeling of love and support that we have in this office, and we have with our elections officials,” Callanen said, sealing her legacy with gratitude and pride. This legacy cannot be overstated, as her approach to elections in Texas continues to resonate throughout the political landscape.
**Interview with Jacque Callanen, Bexar County Elections Administrator**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Jacque. As you prepare to step down after nearly two decades in a role that’s seen its fair share of challenges, how does it feel to be concluding your tenure?
**Jacque Callanen**: It’s quite bittersweet. After nearly 20 years, I’ve experienced so much, from the changes in technology to the evolving political landscape. I feel proud of what we’ve accomplished, even amidst the challenges.
**Editor**: You mentioned challenges. The infamous 2002 election debacle, which had a transformative impact on your career, still looms large. How has that shaped your approach to election administration?
**Jacque Callanen**: The 2002 situation was indeed a wake-up call. I learned the importance of adaptability and thorough preparation. Those paperclips and the chaos they represented serve as a reminder to always be vigilant and proactive. It’s essential to ensure that voting is accessible, efficient, and trustworthy.
**Editor**: With your departure approaching, Bexar County officials are concerned about finding a successor who can handle the current political climate, especially with increased scrutiny and threats. What advice would you give your successor?
**Jacque Callanen**: My advice would be to stay rooted in integrity and transparency. Engage with all stakeholders, listen to the community, and never compromise on your principles. Also, prioritize mental health—this job can be exhausting, and it’s important to take care of oneself to effectively serve the public.
**Editor**: Speaking of integrity, you’ve faced substantial pressure and even lawsuits during your tenure. How did you manage to navigate those challenges while maintaining your focus on voter access?
**Jacque Callanen**: I have always believed in the power of open communication and collaboration. Staying focused on our mission helped me rise above the noise. Engaging with my staff and our supporters allowed us to tackle these hurdles together, which is crucial in such a politically charged environment.
**Editor**: Voter participation has been a concern recently, with a notable decrease in ballots cast this November despite an increase in registered voters. What factors do you think contribute to this trend?
**Jacque Callanen**: There are many factors at play—apathy, confusion over voting procedures, and even disinformation. It’s vital that the next administrator continues to engage the community effectively and innovatively to rekindle public interest in the electoral process.
**Editor**: Lastly, as someone who transitioned from teaching to overseeing elections, how has your background influenced your leadership style in this role?
**Jacque Callanen**: My experience as a teacher instilled in me a passion for education and communication. I’ve always enjoyed explaining complex processes and ensuring everyone understands their rights as voters. That connection—with both my team and the public—has been invaluable for fostering trust in our electoral system.
**Editor**: Thank you, Jacque, for your insights and for all your years of service to Bexar County. We wish you the best in your future endeavors.
**Jacque Callanen**: Thank you for having me. It’s been an honor to serve.
