Split-ticket voting

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Split-ticket voting can be used as a form of tactical voting in countries (such as the United States) dominated by two parties where a voter is not a wholehearted supporter of either party. It can also be used in countries (such as Germany) which use a variety of voting systems. For example, a voter supporting a smaller party could vote for that party in an election held on the proportional representation system but vote for a larger party when an election is being held on a first past the post basis.

This is often beneficial to the democratic system because it encourages elected officials to be good to their word. If they are elected into office under the assumption that they will carry out a certain task and they do not, then they jeopardize their chance at re-election.

See also: Straight-ticket voting

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