Legal Definitions - scratching the ticket

Scratching the ticket refers to the act of a party member rejecting a candidate on their party's ticket by either canceling the candidate's name or voting for one or more nominees from the opposing political party.

For example, if a Republican voter decides to scratch the ticket, they may choose to vote for a Democratic candidate instead of the Republican candidate listed on their party's ticket. This can happen if the voter disagrees with the Republican candidate's policies or actions.

Another example could be a Democrat who scratches the ticket by canceling the name of a Democratic candidate and instead voting for a third-party candidate or an independent candidate.

Overall, scratching the ticket is a way for voters to express their dissatisfaction with a particular candidate or party and to vote for someone who they believe better represents their values and beliefs.