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

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

And not only would the short ballot make government more representative, but it would help to make it more responsible.

From Problems in American Democracy by Williamson, Thames Ross

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.

A short ballot would lessen the possibilities of manipulation by rings and bosses.

From Problems in American Democracy by Williamson, Thames Ross

If the city is interested in commission government or prohibition, if the state is fighting the short ballot or the income tax question, the visitor may be asked for his opinion.

From News Writing The Gathering , Handling and Writing of News Stories by Spencer, M. Lyle (Matthew Lyle)