10.4 Voting Choices
The votes of most people are determined by their predisposition. Most people vote traditionally, thus supporting a party and its candidate. The votes for a particular candidate are usually dependent upon either the candidate's personality on the issues for which he stands.
10.4a Voting the Party Line
About one-fourth of the electorate who are strong
party supporters, vote a straight party ticket. For example a Democrat
votes only for Democratic candidates, and the Republicans also do
likewise. However, voters may vote for a split ticket if they do
not identify strongly with a particular party. Thus they may vote
for a Democrat for one office, and for a Republican for another
post. Generally, the family tends to vote for the same party. Children
are normally brought up in a one-sided political atmosphere. Thus
most voters support their party almost automatically, regardless
of the candidates of the issues. Voting for the same party over
the years may indicate a person's national view of his self-interest.
However changes in age difference between the two generations may
weaken the "inherited" party allegiance.
10.4b The Personality Element
Party identification is not the only factor determining the voter's choice. Some people deport from their traditional party affiliation to vote for the opposition candidate only due to his personality. Thus Eisenhower won the votes of many Democrats because his personality was appealing to millions. A candidate's character and the conduct of his private life are also important factors determining the voter's choice.
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