short ballot

noun

1. a ballot containing only candidates for the most important legislative and executive posts, leaving judicial and lesser administrative posts to be filled by appointment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of short ballot¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

In August 2022, unaffiliated voters still could get a short ballot with only the abortion question.

From Washington Times

The short ballot of primary runoff elections Tuesday included a big race to determine Texas’ Democratic nominee for U.S.

From Washington Times

The June date and short ballot attracted few voters.

From Washington Times

In it Roosevelt advocated, among other reforms such as the short ballot and the initiative and referendum, the recall of judicial decisions.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a straight political fight, with only two names on the short ballot and no side issues.

From Time Magazine Archive