Good grief, what year is this?  Apparently this is or was true in some state or states.  Which is just another reason for me to ask “why are you voting 'straight ticket' in the first place?”  I realize it's supposed to make it easier or something like that.  Maybe you are someone who researched the candidates and every one of your choices is of a particilar party - ok, then what I have to say doesn't apply to you.  I'd be willing to bet though that most of the people (note: I'm not saying ALL) who use the “straight ticket” option haven't researched EVERY candidate on the ballot.  Just because someone claims they are part of a particular party doesn't mean their values(or lack thereof) match up with said party - in which case, you probably shouldn't be voting for them “just because” they are listed as said party.  I have never voted “straight ticket” and never plan to.  You can avoid any confusion (and apparently the possibility of negating your presidential choice) on your ballot by selecting each individual person you are voting for.

Don't know who is on the ballot?  Well, go to your county's election website and print off a sample ballot today.  More than likely there will be far more on it than the presidential race anyway.  As a responsible citizen you should be voting on those things too.  Print the ballot, read over it, mark your choices on it and take it with you to the booth as a reference.  I would also suggest that you take it one step further and read up on what you're voting for or against - some quick google searches will give you plenty of “pros/cons” sites to glean information from.

Don't vote straight ticket just because your great grand pappy did - know the issues, know the candidates and make an individual, informed decision.

Oh, and another tip - VOTE EARLY!  You never know what may happen on the 4th that might keep you from making it to the polls...

I am so ready for this election to be over - it brings out the ugliness (and ignorance) of Americans.