diff --git a/code/controllers/subsystem/vote.dm b/code/controllers/subsystem/vote.dm
index 579a6b7c07c..0185aa5931b 100644
--- a/code/controllers/subsystem/vote.dm
+++ b/code/controllers/subsystem/vote.dm
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ SUBSYSTEM_DEF(vote)
 
 /datum/controller/subsystem/vote/proc/initiate_vote(vote_type, initiator_key, code_invoked = FALSE)
 	if(!mode)
-		if(started_time != null && !check_rights(R_ADMIN))
+		if(usr && started_time != null && !check_rights(R_ADMIN)) // Allow the game to call votes whenever. But check other callers
 			var/next_allowed_time = (started_time + GLOB.configuration.vote.vote_delay)
 			if(next_allowed_time > world.time)
 				return 0