What does the term ticket-splitting refer to in political science?

The term ticket-splitting in political science specifically refers to the practice of voters choosing candidates from different political parties for different offices in the same election. This behavior reflects a move away from strict partisan alignment, allowing voters to select candidates based on individual qualifications, issues, or personal resonance rather than party affiliation alone.

For instance, a voter may support a Democratic candidate for governor while opting for a Republican candidate for state senator. This indicates a nuanced approach to voting, where individuals assess candidates on a case-by-case basis rather than adhering to a uniform party loyalty. This phenomenon is often observed in elections where candidates from different parties appeal to different voter demographics or highlight varied issues that resonate with voters' preferences.

The other choices focus on aspects of voting behavior that do not encompass the full scope of ticket-splitting, such as delegate behavior at conventions, differing presidential voting patterns among electors, or cross-party voting in Congress, which do not specifically illustrate the concept of voters selecting candidates from multiple parties.