What trend did straight ticket voting exhibit after 1976?

The trend of straight ticket voting rebounding after 1976 can be understood in the context of various political and electoral developments during that time. Following the 1976 elections, there was a noticeable increase in partisanship, with voters becoming more aligned with their party's ideologies and candidates. This strengthening of party identification led to a resurgence in straight ticket voting, where voters choose candidates from a single political party for all offices on the ballot.

Several factors contributed to this trend. The rise of polarization in American politics, particularly in the context of national issues such as economic policy, social issues, and foreign affairs, encouraged voters to remain loyal to their party and support its candidates uniformly. Moreover, improvements in voter mobilization efforts by political parties and increased awareness of party platforms likely reinforced this behavior.

In summary, the rebound in straight ticket voting reflects a significant shift in voter behavior characterized by a stronger allegiance to party affiliation, driven by increasing polarization and cohesive party strategies. This explains why this answer accurately captures the trend observed after 1976.