Correct answer: SPLIT TICKET
A "split ticket" is when a person casts votes for candidates from different political parties for different positions up for election. For instance, the voter may support a presidential candidate who is a Republican but casts ballots for congressional candidates who are Democrats Voting a split ticket requires a knowledge of the qualifications of each candidate because you are voting according to each candidate's qualities and credentials, not just because of the political party backing the candidate.
The opposite of a "split ticket" is a "straight ticket" or "straight-party voting." This means a voter selects all candidates for all offices on the ballot according to the political party they represent. So, a solidly Republican voter might cast a straight ticket for all Republican candidates, or a committed Democrat might do straight-party voting for all Democrat candidates on the ballot. In this case, the voter is supporting a particular party's ideology, and thus siding with any and all candidates from that party.
I would argue that whether you vote split ticket or straight ticket, as a voter you really should know the qualifications of each candidate for whom you cast your ballot. If a candidate belongs to the political party that you generally support, does that mean you still support that candidate even if he or she has minimal qualifications to serve in the office they seek? Or if the candidate's record is marred by scandal or questionable performance?
A split ticket vote assumes you are judging each candidate on that candidate's individual merits. But even if voters opt for a straight ticket approach, knowledge about individual candidates' qualifications still matters.
