Collier County Supervisor of Elections

The Collier County Supervisor of Elections Office manages the county’s electoral processes, including voter registration, election security, and election administration. The office has significantly evolved over the years, incorporating advanced technologies to enhance accuracy and streamline voting.

For more information about the candidates and the Early Voting process, visit https://www.colliervotes.gov/Election-Info/2024-Primary-Election.

Melissa Blazier - Republican - Incumbent 

Melissa Blazier, appointed Collier County Supervisor of Elections by Governor DeSantis in May 2023, has served the office since 2006, including as Chief Deputy Supervisor. With a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Hodges University, Blazier is a Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) and a Master Florida Certified Elections Professional (MFCEP). She has been recognized as one of Gulf Shore Business’s Top Forty under 40 and earned various accolades, including Distinguished Fundraising Volunteer and Kiwanian of the Year. Blazier is actively involved in multiple organizations, including the American Legion Auxiliary and Kiwanis Club of Naples, where she is currently President. Her qualifications include a strong background in election management and a commitment to ensuring transparent, honest, and accurate elections, maintaining professionalism and accountability. She is also skilled in developing and implementing effective electoral procedures.

Statement From Blazier:

I am a results-oriented and integrity-based public sector leader with over 18 years of election administration experience in the Collier County Supervisor of Elections office. My time in the office includes the efficient and successful execution of over 45 municipal and countywide elections. I have received both state and national election administration certifications, and I am a subject matter expert as it relates to the conduct of elections in the State of Florida. As evidenced, I have dedicated my professional career to elections administration and to conducting excellent elections in Collier County, something I am very proud of.

Tim Guerrette - Republican

Tim Guerrette is a retired Chief of Operations at the Collier County Sheriff’s Office with 31 years of service. Guerrette's experience includes managing a multi-million-dollar budget, overseeing over 700 employees, and developing policies and procedures. He holds a Master’s Degree in Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, and an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Guerrette is a certified instructor with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and has served on various boards, including the Naples Area Board of Realtors® and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. His extensive background in law enforcement, budget management, and policy development, coupled with his active involvement in community organizations, positions him as a qualified candidate committed to a safe, secure, and ethical electoral process for Collier County.

Guerrette’s Statement:

Tim Guerrette is a respected Community Leader, United States Air Force Veteran and a 34-year resident of Collier County. As the former Chief of Operations at the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Tim will bring invaluable experience and leadership capabilities to the Supervisor of Elections Office. He kept our community safe for over 30 years, and Tim will keep our elections safe and secure. Tim will restore trust and confidence in our elections. With his proven track record and dedication to our community, Tim is the right choice to lead Collier County into a future of transparent, accountable and ethical elections.

Dave Schaffel - Republican

Dave Schaffel, a Naples resident since returning to South Florida five years ago, holds a bachelor’s in finance from the University of Florida and a Master’s in Statistics and Operations Research from the University of Miami. With 40 years in information technology, Schaffel has specialized in data analysis, business intelligence, and security. He co-founded and served as Chief Information Officer at CoStar Group, developing the first industry-standard computerized real estate listing service and leading its expansion to a multi-billion-dollar company. His career also includes IT consulting for the US Air Force and complex software projects. Schaffel is active in local politics as a member of the Collier County Republican Executive Committee, vice-chair of the GOP Election Integrity Subcommittee, and involved with election integrity group Defend Florida. He also has experience in education and sports as a former teacher and baseball umpire.

Scheffel’s Statement

The responsibility of the Supervisor of Elections is no longer simply about administering smooth elections. Today’s elections are 100% dependent on technologies, that are, unfortunately, insecure, uncertified, nontransparent, and vulnerable to malicious attack. Citizens are being asked to trust their votes on technologies that are proprietary to the vendor, not subject to audit and independent software review. Further, loopholes in the law have created a crisis of noncitizens on our voter rolls.

I could no longer sit on the sidelines and let this continue. I have a deep understanding of the issues at hand and the technology and administrative experience to address them head-on. I made the decision to run to ensure that only legal United States citizens can vote and that every citizen’s vote is counted as cast.

Edward Gubala - Write in

Edward Joseph Gubala, a Naples resident since 1976, brings over 30 years of experience as a Firefighter Captain/Paramedic. He earned an AS Degree in Fire Science/Business from Columbia Southern University and has been a licensed mortgage loan originator and real estate professional. Gubala's career includes roles as a certified smoke diver, pump operator, and state fire officer. As an acting battalion chief, he managed multiple stations and supervised significant emergency operations, earning recognition for his leadership. Currently, he is a Broker Associate with MVP Realty LLC.