From November 6–10, 2024, DHM Research surveyed a representative group of 500 Washingtonians who voted in the 2024 general election. In this data, a notable one in three voters cast a split ballot—choosing candidates from multiple parties for different offices. Here are some key takeaways:
- In our post-election survey, one in three voters in Washington voted for candidates from different parties, reflecting a potential shift away from strict party loyalty.
- 34% of voters who split their tickets prefer candidates who are perceived as less polarizing—up from 28% in 2022.
- Income plays a role in voter preferences: higher-income voters prioritize candidates who are less polarizing, while middle-income voters were more likely to vote for incumbents they felt were doing a good job.
34% of Washington voters reported splitting their ticket in 2024, voting for candidates from multiple parties across different races, a small but notable jump from the 30% who reported similar behavior following the 2022 election.
The increase could suggest that more voters are prioritizing individual candidates over party affiliation. This also may reflect a growing frustration with extreme partisanship and a desire for leaders who can bridge divides rather than deepen them.
The Appeal of Less Polarizing Candidates
The primary reason that respondents chose to cast a split ballot is a preference for candidates whom they view as less polarizing. When asked why they voted for candidates outside of their party preference, a plurality (34% of those who split their ticket) said that the candidates seemed more moderate and less divisive than their partisan counterpart. The increase in this reasoning could indicate a growing group of voters looking for moderation and cooperation over strict partisan loyalty.
Income and Voting Behavior
The income levels of the voters who cast a split ticket play a significant role in how they approach their choices. Those with higher incomes—particularly those earning $100K or more—are more likely to choose candidates based on their perceived ability to bring people together. Nearly half of voters making over $100K cited a preference for less polarizing candidates. In comparison, only 25% of voters with incomes under $50K and 14% of those with incomes between $50K-$100K expressed this preference.
On the flip side, voters with middle incomes are more likely to vote for incumbents based on their performance in office. 48% of voters earning between $50K and $100K said they voted for an incumbent because they believed the incumbent was doing a good job. This contrasts with just 27% of voters making more than $150K and 14% of those in the $100K-$150K income range, who tended to focus more on the candidate’s ability to unite.
Incumbency: A Strong Influence Among Younger Voters
Interestingly, younger voters with split tickets were more inclined to support incumbents. A 54% majority of voters aged 18-29 with split tickets expressed support for an incumbent candidate based on their performance, compared to only 30% of voters with split tickets overall. Respondents 18-29 had the highest percentage of split tickets (43%) and were also the most likely to pick “mostly democratic” candidates (31%). The size of this group was small (33 respondents) and the data should be interpreted cautiously, but it does provide some insight into younger Washington voters.
Voters Are Seeking Leadership That Unites
Even though a significant portion of voters—particularly those in middle-income brackets—are still prioritizing candidates who have a proven track record of good governance, a large and growing segment of voters are crossing party lines in search of less polarizing figures who can work across the aisle and unite diverse groups of people. As the nation continues to grapple with partisan division, these trends suggest that voters are increasingly looking for candidates who are more moderate and have a strong record of accomplishment.