diff --git a/backend/backend/arbiter.py b/backend/backend/arbiter.py
index 5168f12..4128fb3 100644
--- a/backend/backend/arbiter.py
+++ b/backend/backend/arbiter.py
@@ -196,13 +196,13 @@ async def _(get_input: InputGetter, set_output: OutputSetter):
         await asyncio.sleep(settings.democracy_vote_cycle)
 
         inputs: list[Input] = await get_input()
-        
-        the_input = random.choice(inputs)
 
-        if not the_input:
+        if not inputs:
             set_output(EMPTY_INPUT)
             continue
 
+        the_input = random.choice(inputs)
+
         output = {button: the_input[button] for button in Button}
 
         set_output(output)