short ballot

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of short ballot

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

short ballot

This made the mayor, in some cases, the only elective city official and gave the voters a "short ballot" containing only a few names—an idea which some proposed to apply also to the state government.

From History of the United States by Beard, Charles A. (Charles Austin)

The essential features of the short ballot plan are as follows: Popular elections should be resorted to only for the purpose of choosing those officials who have to do with public policies.

From Problems in American Democracy by Williamson, Thames Ross

The initiative, the referendum, the recall, the short ballot, direct primaries, and proportionate representation are all designed to transfer power from rings and bosses to the people themselves.

From Social Justice Without Socialism by Clark, John Bates

There are two other important features: the introduction of the principle of the short ballot and the elimination of ward lines.

From The Making of Arguments by Gardiner, J. H.

Do you have a long ballot or a short ballot in your county or town?

From Community Civics and Rural Life by Dunn, Arthur William