I hadn't noticed it myself, but now that you mention it, you're absolutely right. But I don't agree with the idea that its a hold-your-nose election and no one wants to admit they're voting for their party but hates their candidate.

The Trump fans love him, and the Hillary fans love her. Only a minority of voters really hate their party nominee and are only voting for them for ideological, not personal reasons. Democrats might like to think that most "decent" Republicans are embarrassed by Trump, and Republicans have spent years trying to convince themselves Hillary is a gangster and none of the "good" Democrats like her. I believe only one side is saying "we have a lousy choice this year". The truth is that this election is ideological and represents two governing philosophies, two cultural blocs, two economic and social agendas and two ways of looking at reality, and both are inconsistent and incompatible. I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I'm voting the way I am because I don't want to live in a country governed by the other side. And I'm convinced at least three quarters of the electorate feels that way too.

In this kind of an ideological divide, bumper stickers and yard signs aren't going to sway anybody. In fact, I suspect even carefully crafted and meticulously researched TV commercials aren't going to change too many minds either.

Your second and third reasons make a lot of sense. I know in my case, if my candidate loses, I'm dropping out of sight as far as political allegiances and activity are concerned. I will make myself scarce, and become as invisible as possible. No, its not because I believe the new regime will necessarily start rounding up people like me and start locking us up into re-education camps. But I do believe that people who do feel that way are going to be a lot less reticent about proposing it as a viable alternative.