split ticket

noun

, U.S. Politics.

1. a ballot on which not all votes have been cast for candidates of the same party.
2. a ticket on which not all the candidates nominated by a party are members of the party.

split ticket

noun

1. See split See also straight ticket

split ticket

1. A vote for candidates of different political parties on the same ballot, instead of for candidates of only one party. In the presidential elections, for example, a voter may choose a Republican candidate for president, but a Democratic candidate for senator. Split-ticket voting is not allowed in primaries ( see closed primary , direct primary , open primary ). The increasing occurrence of split-ticket voting reflects support of individual candidates rather than unswerving party loyalty.

Word History and Origins

Origin of split ticket¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Idioms and Phrases

A ballot cast for candidates of more than one party, as in I'm registered as an Independent, and indeed I usually vote a split ticket . This idiom uses ticket in the sense of “a list of nominees for office,” a usage dating from the late 1700s. Also see straight ticket .

Example Sentences

Studios split ticket sales with theaters, and Cameron has said that "The Way of Water" will need to make $2 billion over its theatrical run just to break even.

From Reuters

The RNC chair attempted to deflect criticism of Trump by blaming Republican voters who split tickets to vote for some Democrats.

From Salon

Walker doesn’t need to get all the voters considering a split ticket, Robinson said.

From Los Angeles Times

But in closely contested elections, even a small number of Republicans who cross over, split tickets or stay home could be decisive.

From Washington Post

All these split tickets reflect a broader political upheaval taking place in Puerto Rico after a rocky half-decade.

From Salon