What trend has been observed in straight ticket voting in recent years?

In recent years, there has indeed been a notable decline in straight ticket voting. This trend reflects a broader political shift in which voters are increasingly evaluating candidates on an individual basis rather than simply voting for all candidates from the same political party. This change can be attributed to several factors, including political polarization where voters may align with certain candidates regardless of party affiliation, increased availability of information about individual candidates, and a growing engagement with specific issues that resonate with voters beyond party lines.

The decline in straight ticket voting signifies that voters are more willing to cross party lines, which can reflect a more nuanced understanding of the political landscape. As voters become more informed and critical of party politics, they may choose to vote for candidates who best represent their views, leading to a situation where partisan loyalty, while still significant, is not the only factor influencing their decisions.

The other options regarding an increase, constancy, or limitations of straight ticket voting are not aligned with current electoral trends observed in recent studies and analyses of voting behavior.