Ticket (election)

In elections, a ticket refers to a slate of candidates running together as a unified group for multiple positions. This typically occurs in presidential and vice-presidential elections, where the two candidates are elected as a unit. It can also extend to other elections, such as those for governor and lieutenant governor, or even to a complete list of candidates endorsed by a particular political party for various offices in a given election cycle.

The concept of a ticket implies a shared political platform and ideology. Candidates running on the same ticket are generally expected to support each other's campaigns and work collaboratively if elected. This allows voters to choose a pre-selected team representing a coherent political vision, rather than selecting individual candidates for each office.

A well-balanced ticket can be strategically designed to broaden a party's appeal by considering factors such as geography, ethnicity, gender, and political experience of the candidates. The selection of a running mate, in particular, is often a crucial decision aimed at strengthening the ticket's overall chances of success.

The term "ticket" likely derives from the practice of printing candidates' names together on a single ballot or "ticket." While modern voting methods have evolved, the term has persisted to describe the concept of a unified slate of candidates running together.