used to refer to people who are trying to get elected for less important political jobs, whose names are printed lower down on the ballot (= list of people you can vote for), or to contests between these people

In Missouri, only a few down-ballot candidates have benefited so far from the end of donation limits. 在密苏里州，到目前为止，只有少数几名低位票候选人从取消捐赠限额的做法中获益。

It's difficult for Democrats in down-ballot races to get attention. 争夺下方票的民主党人很难得到关注。