Ticket-Splitting in Montana Elections

Abstract

My research used data gathered in the Carroll College Exit Polls of midterm and general elections to analyze the prevalence of ticket-splitting for different demographic and political groups. I sought to determine if any groups exhibited increased or decreased levels of ticket splitting. My hypothesis was that different demographics would show minimal differences in rates of ticket-splitting, while party affiliation would show greater differences in ticket-splitting rates. Specifically, I believed voters identifying with major parties would be less likely to split their ticket than voters not belonging to either major party.