What does the term "roll off" refer to in elections?

The term "roll off" specifically refers to the phenomenon where voters only complete or cast their votes for certain offices or measures higher on the ballot, often ignoring those lower down. This is commonly observed in elections that feature a long list of candidates or measures, leading to a situation where voters may focus on the most prominent or high-profile races, such as federal or state offices, while neglecting other important local contests or propositions that are positioned further down the ballot.

In this context, voting only on top ballot contests would be a clear example of "roll off," as it highlights the selective engagement of voters, whereby they participate in choosing winners for the major positions but may overlook or skip less publicized or lower-profile votes. Understanding "roll off" is crucial because it can affect the outcomes of local races and measures, and it emphasizes the importance of voter engagement and education regarding all parts of the ballot.