There’s a race that affects everyone in Orange County but typically sees the lowest turnout.

That’s the judge’s race.

If it seems like there are more signs and more mailers going out this election season, it could be because there are a record number of candidates running for a spot on the bench.

There are 22 candidates in 10 judicial contests on the Orange County ballot.

“When it comes to advertising they’re just like any other candidate,” said Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles.

Except for one big difference: they must always appear impartial. That means they can’t claim a political party, they are prohibited from making promises about issues that could one day make it to court, and they must set aside their personal views and beliefs.

“Judge’s can’t hold political rallies, they can’t be part of a political organization," said Nick Shannin, Orange County Bar Association president. "You can be a Democrat or a Republican, but you can’t go to those party rallies.”

So how does the community get to know them? These mailers are like a condensed resume that Orange County Bar Association President Nick Shannin said should not be thrown out with the junk mail.

“The judicial branch has a major effect on business, on individuals lives and on the way our community works,” Sannin said.

Orange County judges will make decisions that range big and small, including traffic, small claims, landlord-tenant, personal injury, family and crime.

Besides the everyday court cases, there are those that reach the national spotlight… like Casey Anthony and George Zimmerman. 

Yet judge’s races are notoriously lacking when it comes to voter turnout.

“It’s certainly not comparable to, you know, presidential races, or even gubernatorial races, because races are farther down on the ballot,” Shannin said.

Officials add that with a little research on your own or from asking a friend in the legal system, an informed decision can be made on August 26 at the polls.

And if you are wondering what that group number means on the ballot, it is just another way that the thousands of court cases are divided in the county.

So with about one third of the 65 seats up for election, these votes could have a huge impact on how Florida Decides.