Legal Definitions - blank

Definition: In parliamentary law, a blank refers to:

1. A ballot that is cast without a vote, which is essentially an abstention.
2. A name, number, time, or other term that is left open in a motion, to be filled in by vote after taking proposals from the floor.

An election is a common example of filling a blank. Each nomination is effectively a proposal for filling the blank in the question, “Resolved, That _______ is elected.”

For instance, if a motion is made to elect a new treasurer for a club, and the motion reads, "Resolved, That _______ is elected as treasurer," members can make nominations to fill in the blank. Once all nominations are made, the members will vote to fill in the blank with the name of the elected treasurer.