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Home > Meet the Team > Meet the Supervisor
  

Meet the Supervisor

About Ryan:

Picture of Ryan MesserRyan Messer is a life-long, 7th generation resident of Walton County and has served elections in Walton County in various capacities dating back to the early 2000s, when he helped set up polling places and prepare equipment. In 2007, Ryan joined the team in the Elections Office and has served as Deputy Supervisor, Systems Coordinator, and Assistant Supervisor.

Before being elected Supervisor of Elections in 2022 and taking office in 2023, Ryan helped administer nearly 50 federal, state, and local elections, as well as dozens of school and civic elections. Through the years, Ryan helped with training election workers, preparing ballots and equipment, conducting audits and recounts, updating the website with many useful tools and information, digitizing records, implementing electronic poll registers, upgrading to a new state-of-the-art voting system, and more.

Ryan was among the first class to graduate from the Master Florida Certified Election Professional (MFCEP) program in 2013. Ryan also graduated from Walton High School, Okaloosa Walton College (now NWFSC), and Florida State University in 2008 with a degree in Business Administration. Ryan is married to his wife, Cathlynn. They have one daughter, Hannah. Ryan enjoys spending time with family, going to church, helping others, working with his hands, camping, learning new things, and cheering for the Florida State Seminoles.

A Message From Ryan:

The right to vote is one of the most cherished liberties available to eligible citizens of the United States, but with that right comes a great deal of responsibility. Millions have fought and died to protect the freedoms we hold dear. Your right to vote ensures that our government is "of the people, by the people, and for the people". You can make a difference by researching candidates and issues and participating in government at all levels. Remember that "your vote is your voice" to ensure a bright future for yourself, your children, and grandchildren.  

This office is committed to helping you exercise your right to vote so you can make your voice heard at the polls. Please use this website packed with valuable tools and information to assist you in making your voice heard. Please visit this site often for updated information on elections, important deadlines, candidates, and much more. I welcome your feedback and am willing to help you in any way I can. 

In my experience, I have found that common sense, hard work, and always doing the right thing will usually get the job done. Surrounding yourself with good people is also important. I always say that elections are the ultimate team sport. Every election requires a massive team, thousands of hours of preparation, planning, training, and logistics from hundreds of individuals to ensure that everything goes smoothly. In Walton County, we are blessed to have dedicated staff, over 200 committed election workers, an efficient canvassing board, and the best voters who do a tremendous job in every election. 

As Supervisor of Elections, I promise to never compromise integrity or principles and to maintain a nonpartisan and neutral office, as it should be. I believe in free, fair, and honest elections where every vote is counted accurately, securely, considered sacred, and every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate. I want all voters to have confidence in our elections and be proud of how elections in Walton County are administered. Learn more about our efforts at votewalton.gov/integrity.

It was an honor to serve the citizens of Walton County for many years under the leadership of former Supervisors of Elections, Melissa Beasley and Bobby Beasley. I hope to continue to work hard and serve as your Supervisor of Elections.

Sincerely,

Ryan Messer

 

 

Main Office: map This link will direct you to an external website.  
Walton County Courthouse
571 US Hwy 90 East, Suite 102
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

PHONE: (850) 892-8112 
FAX: (850) 892-8113
HOURS: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm                 

Branch Office: map This link will direct you to an external website.
Walton County Courthouse Annex
31 Coastal Centre Blvd, Suite 300
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

PHONE: (850) 622-0744
FAX: (850) 622-1291
HOURS: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
 

This website is provided as a source for public information. The Walton County Supervisor of Elections makes every effort to ensure the information provided is accurate. However, no warranties, expressed or implied, are provided for the data herein, its use or interpretation.

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