diff --git a/frontend/src/views/DeclaredElementPage/index.vue b/frontend/src/views/DeclaredElementPage/index.vue
index e22eb39c..85d4e210 100644
--- a/frontend/src/views/DeclaredElementPage/index.vue
+++ b/frontend/src/views/DeclaredElementPage/index.vue
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ const modals = {
         onClick() {
           updateElement({
             requestStatus: "INFORMATION",
-            requestPrivateNotes: notes.value,
+            requestPrivateNotes: notes.value || "",
           }).then(closeModal)
         },
       },
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ const modals = {
         onClick() {
           updateElement({
             requestStatus: "REJECTED",
-            requestPrivateNotes: notes.value,
+            requestPrivateNotes: notes.value || "",
           }).then(closeModal)
         },
       },