down-ballot

[ dohn-bal-uht ]

adjective

1. relating to or noting a candidate or political contest that is relatively low-profile and local compared to one listed in a higher place on the ballot:

   Very popular presidential nominees often cause down-ballot candidates to win.

Word History and Origins

Origin of down-ballot¹

First recorded in 1980–85; down ¹( def ) + ballot ( def )

Example Sentences

She is able to create coattails for down-ballot races and to change the narrative frame of politics.

From The Daily Beast

The party is known in particular for its ability to draw out voters on down-ballot races.

From The Daily Beast

And the dearth of top Democratic visitors could have a real impact on down-ballot Democrats.

From The Daily Beast

In Portsmouth, a down-ballot ticket-mate, county attorney candidate Joe Plaia, joined Maggie as she mingled with voters.

From The Daily Beast

Take the Senate race in Ohio, which has seen the most spending of any so-called down-ballot race in the country.

From The Daily Beast