What does split ticket voting mean?

Split ticket voting refers to the practice of voters choosing candidates from different political parties for various offices in the same election. This means that a voter may select a candidate from one party for one position, such as a presidential candidate, and a candidate from another party for a different position, such as a congressional or state office candidate. This behavior reflects a more independent approach to voting, where individuals prioritize the qualifications or policies of candidates rather than strictly adhering to party affiliation.

In recent elections, split ticket voting has become more common as voters seek to balance their preferences, reflecting a desire for bipartisan representation or frustration with the extremes of either party. This contrasts with voting along party lines, where an individual would select candidates exclusively from one political party, demonstrating a stronger allegiance to that party's platform.