I was looking at the 2012 Colorado votes at the national Convention. While Santorum won the Colorado caucus that year, Romney got all of the Colorado delegates (Colorado delegates can vote for whomever on the first ballot). But there was something like 8 abstaining! I’m not sure how that works. Other states had a few abstains. I imagine in that election Romney was so far out in front they figured they could register a “protest” vote with no ramifications. But I’m guessing it must be allowed.
Yes, that is what I am thinking. Where it is allowed, it could serve a purpose.