The primary is an exciting time for voters who belong to a party, because it allows them to pick who they think is the best candidate for the November primary election.

Non-party affiliated voters, however have no say in statewide races during the primary, but their votes do count for local races, county and circuit court judges, and school board members.

Officials say the number of Republicans and Democrats in Seminole County has really tightened up. There are currently only about 1,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats in the county, which means NPA’s will have a crucial vote in November.

Kenneth Dittmann is a small business owner and Seminole County registered voter. For more than 40 years the Sanford shop owner has not pledged an allegiance to the red side or the blue.

“I believe in common-sense politics,” he said from behind her store counter. “I don’t go to one party, because they can each be extreme.”

When it comes to state or national races, Dittmann says he looks at each contest individually.

“I don’t think I really hear the truth from anybody,” he said. “I have to dissect if it is something I get to vote in, and really try to see who is the best candidate.”

As for local politics, Dittmann is considering his options for races that could impact his Sanford store and his step-daughter in school.

“The school board should be looking out for the children, not any other agenda, but what is best for the children,” he said. “When it comes to a judge, it’s not your political standing, it’s how you are going to enforce the current laws.”

Here is a breakdown of registered voters in the nine Central Florida counties (Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, Volusia, Lake, Sumter, Marion, and Flagler):

• 36% are registered Republican
• 34% are registered Democrat
• 29% are not affiliated with a party
• 1% — others

Voting in Sanford Tuesday, non-party affiliated voter Nathan Kallenberger made his choices in the races he could vote in. However, he said he will be constantly soaking up what he can from other candidates in statewide races from now until November.

“I trust my mind,” he said, wearing an “I Voted” sticker. “My judgment, based on what information I have been able to consume.”

Kallenberger does not have children, but still did what he feels is his part in helping decide how Seminole County students are being educated, seat by seat.

“I don’t Christmas tree that,” he said. “I vote for who has the best interest for all public school children.”

Just over 5.1 million Floridians are registered Republican; more than 4.9 million are registered Democrat; and nearly 4 million have no party affiliation.