diff --git a/openslides/assignment/views.py b/openslides/assignment/views.py
index af661d072..f90d8d9cc 100644
--- a/openslides/assignment/views.py
+++ b/openslides/assignment/views.py
@@ -170,6 +170,8 @@ def set_status(request, assignment_id=None, status=None):
             messages.success(request, _('Election status was set to: <b>%s</b>.') % assignment.get_status_display())
     except Assignment.DoesNotExist:
         pass
+    except NameError, e:
+        messages.error(request, e)
     return redirect(reverse('assignment_view', args=[assignment_id]))