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

The "short ballot" in itself is a slight affair, but the insight behind it seems to me capable of revolutionary development.

From A Preface to Politics by Lippmann, Walter

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)

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)

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

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

From Problems in American Democracy by Williamson, Thames Ross