diff --git a/internal/leadership/elector.go b/internal/leadership/elector.go
index 69ddd75c..7cac3243 100644
--- a/internal/leadership/elector.go
+++ b/internal/leadership/elector.go
@@ -136,8 +136,10 @@ func (e *Elector) Start(ctx context.Context) error {
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	// We'll send to this channel anytime a leader resigns on the key with `name`
-	e.leaderResignedChan = make(chan struct{})
+	// We'll send to this channel anytime a leader resigns on the key with `name`.
+	// Buffered to 1 so a send doesn't block if the receiving loop hasn't entered
+	// its select yet (e.g. between gaining and maintaining leadership).
+	e.leaderResignedChan = make(chan struct{}, 1)
 
 	e.requestResignChan = make(chan struct{})