Decision Florida: Who Are The Swing Voters In The Sunshine State?

By Tom Hudson

Published September 16, 2016 at 6:08 PM EDT

In a state of almost 12.5 million registered voters, who are the swing voters in Florida?

In 2012, Florida’s election results were decided by less than one percent. In 2000, fewer than 600 votes separated the candidates.

Today, Florida remains a swing state, with an especially high number of registered independents.

One in four registered voters in the state don’t declare any political party, making it the fastest growing political class in Florida.

So, who exactly are Florida's swing voters?

Decision Florida hosts Tom Hudson and John Davis from WGCU speak with WMFE News Director Catherine Welch, Washington Post National Correspondent James Hohmann and Asma Khalid, Campaign Reporter for NPR.

While the top of the ticket this election year gets plenty of attention, the entire Florida legislature in Florida is up for election. Lawmakers elected in November will inherit a $77 billion state budget.

Highlights of the discussion:

"I'm more interested in people than their parties." -Chris in Miami on why he donates to candidates from different parties. #DecisionFlorida
— WLRN Public Media (@WLRN) September 16, 2016

#decisionflorida I think you're seeing more independents due to 2 party system splits populace of fiscally conservative & socially liberal.
— Jon Pellant (@marmageek) September 16, 2016

I've been a registered Republican for almost 40 years. I will NOT vote for Trump. The party has gone mad. #DecisionFlorida
— Michael O'Connell (@mocando) September 16, 2016

"To me, this one's pretty much a no-brainer." -Nancy in #Gainesville on why she's voting for @HillaryClinton after supporting @BernieSanders
— WLRN Public Media (@WLRN) September 16, 2016

My decision is made #DecisionFlorida and it is #JohnsonWeld2016. #LetGaryDebate
— Jess Mears (@jess4liberty) September 16, 2016

Ironic that #ConstitutionDay2016 is when commission says @GovGaryJohnson & @DrJillStein can't debate #LetGaryDebate #DecisionFlorida
— rich gaus (@BowTieTuesdays) September 16, 2016