Legal Definitions - fill a blank

In parliamentary procedure, the term fill a blank refers to the process of completing an intentionally unspecified part of a proposed motion by inviting suggestions or proposals from the members present at a meeting. When a motion is introduced with a missing detail—a "blank"—members are given the opportunity to offer specific information to complete that blank, which is then voted upon.

• Example 1: Community Association Meeting

  During a neighborhood association meeting, a member proposes, "I move that the association allocate $1,000 for a local beautification project to be completed by [blank]." The chair then opens the floor for suggestions to "fill the blank" regarding the specific completion date. One member suggests, "I propose June 30th," while another offers, "I suggest July 15th." The association would then vote on which date to insert into the motion.

  This illustrates "filling a blank" because the original motion left a specific date unspecified, and members provided concrete proposals to complete that missing detail.

• Example 2: Corporate Board Meeting

  At a quarterly board meeting, a director moves, "I propose that the company invest in new software for our customer service department, with a budget not to exceed [blank] dollars." The board then discusses potential figures. One board member states, "I suggest we fill the blank with $50,000," while another counters, "I propose $75,000 to ensure we get the best system." The board will then decide which monetary value to adopt for the motion.

  Here, "filling a blank" involves board members proposing specific financial limits to complete the budget allocation part of the motion that was initially left open.

• Example 3: University Senate Debate

  A university senate is debating a motion to update student housing policies. The motion reads, "I move that the university implement new quiet hours in all dormitories, beginning at [blank] PM each weekday." Senators are then asked to "fill the blank" with a specific time. One senator suggests, "I propose 10:00 PM," while another argues for "11:00 PM." The senate would then vote on which proposed time to insert into the final policy.

  This demonstrates "filling a blank" as senators offer specific times to complete the detail of the quiet hours policy that was deliberately left open for discussion and decision.