Ryan Messer is a seventh-generation lifelong resident of Walton County with a strong commitment to public service and election integrity. His involvement in local elections began in the early 2000s, setting up polling places and preparing equipment. Since joining the Elections Office in 2007, Ryan has served as Deputy Supervisor, Systems Coordinator, and Assistant Supervisor.
Elected Supervisor of Elections in 2022 and taking office in 2023, Ryan has helped administer nearly 60 elections and led efforts to modernize Walton County’s election systems, implementing electronic poll books, upgrading voting equipment, digitizing records, and enhancing voter outreach.
A graduate of Walton High School, Northwest Florida State College, and Florida State University with a degree in Business Administration, Ryan also completed the Master Florida Certified Election Professional (MFCEP) program in 2013. He lives in Walton County with his wife, Cathlynn, and daughter, Hannah.
A Message From Ryan:
The right to vote is one of the most sacred liberties we enjoy as Americans—and with that right comes great responsibility. Countless individuals have fought and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we hold dear. Participating in elections is how we ensure our government remains “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
As your Supervisor of Elections, I’m committed to helping every eligible voter in Walton County exercise this fundamental right. Our office works year-round to ensure that every eligible voter can have their vote counted accurately, securely, fairly, and in a timely manner.
Elections are the ultimate team effort. It takes thousands of hours and the dedication of hundreds—including our incredible staff, over 200 committed election workers, and an efficient canvassing board—to conduct smooth, secure elections. I am continually grateful for the dedication of our team and the confidence of the best voters in the state.
This website is your resource for all things election-related. Please visit VoteWalton.gov regularly for updates on elections, deadlines, and candidates. If you have questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I welcome your feedback and am always here to help.
Sincerely,
Ryan Messer
Supervisor of Elections, Walton County