This program does not endorse any political party or candidate. Given the tragedy of September 11 and the war on terrorism our nation is fighting, we are reminded of the freedoms we often take for granted -- freedoms that veterans fought to defend. The sacrifices our veterans have made on behalf of this great state and nation stand as examples that underscore the need for us to take our responsibilities seriously, especially our right to vote. Across the nation, statistics show youth voter participation has declined over the past few decades. Our hope is that we can be the catalyst in reversing this trend.
To this goal, the Walton County Supervisor of Elections office developed its Vote in Honor of a Vet program. The intent of this program is to encourage voter participation, as well as remind citizens about the sacrifices our veterans have made, so that we may continue to live in a democratic society. By exercising our right to vote, we show veterans the respect they deserve for protecting our democracy.
This is how the program works. At our offices, veteran photos are displayed for voters to see as they visit. Presentations about veterans, the right to vote, and demonstrations of the voting process are presented in various formats. One such format is to high school seniors who are registering and voting for the first time. Many of these students are even joining the military and will be veterans themselves. Other formats include social organizations and community events. All voters in Walton county have the opportunity to cast their ballot in honor of any veteran of their choice. Instead of the normal "I Voted" sticker, voters may wear a sticker that says "My Vote Honors Veteran, ______________". If they do not know a veteran, they can choose a name from the Veteran Wall.
To add a veteran's photo to the Veteran Wall, a Biography Formneeds to be completed by the veteran or by a family member. Forms are available at the office of the Supervisor of Elections in DeFuniak Springs or at this link: Biography Form You may make copies of the Biography Form and distribute them as you wish.
Please understand that we are including all individuals who ever served our country, whether it is in peacetime or wartime; past or present. We need your participation to make this valuable program a success. Completed forms should be returned to the address at the bottom of the form. Space on our wall may soon be limited due to the growing popularity of this program, so get your photos in to us as soon as possible. If you should have any questions, please contact Ryan Messer at (850) 892-8112 or by email at mesryan@co.walton.fl.us.
The complete Walton County Honor Wall can be seen on the first floor of the Walton County Courthouse at 571 U.S. Hwy 90 East in DeFuniak Springs. As of March 2012, over 750 veterans with a relationship to Walton County are on the wall. A smaller scale of the Honor Wall is located at the South Walton Courthouse Annex in Santa Rosa Beach. Visitors are welcome to view the walls during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Main Office:(map) Walton County Courthouse
571 US Hwy 90 East, Suite 102
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
Phone: (850) 892-8112 Fax: (850) 892-8113
Email: bbeasley@co.walton.fl.us Office Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Branch Office:(map) Walton County Courthouse Annex
31 Coastal Centre Blvd, Suite 300
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 Phone: (850) 622-0744
Fax: (850) 622-1291
Email: penglenda@co.walton.fl.us Office Hours:
Variable Schedule
E-MAIL PRIVACY NOTICE: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. (F.S. 668.6076)