diff --git a/graphics/elements/controls/checkbox.lua b/graphics/elements/controls/checkbox.lua
index 7f0dc58..08e8bc5 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/controls/checkbox.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/controls/checkbox.lua
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ local element = require("graphics.element")
 ---@class checkbox_args
 ---@field label string checkbox text
 ---@field box_fg_bg cpair colors for checkbox
+---@field default? boolean default value
 ---@field callback? function function to call on press
 ---@field parent graphics_element
 ---@field id? string element id
@@ -28,7 +29,7 @@ local function checkbox(args)
     -- create new graphics element base object
     local e = element.new(args)
 
-    e.value = false
+    e.value = args.default == true
 
     -- show the button state
     local function draw()
diff --git a/graphics/elements/controls/radio_2d.lua b/graphics/elements/controls/radio_2d.lua
index d87d87e..fde886f 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/controls/radio_2d.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/controls/radio_2d.lua
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@ local function radio_2d_button(args)
     -- set the value
     ---@param val integer new value
     function e.set_value(val)
-        if val > 0 and val <= #args.options then
+        if type(val) == "number" and val > 0 and val <= #args.options then
             e.value = val
             e.redraw()
         end
diff --git a/graphics/elements/controls/radio_button.lua b/graphics/elements/controls/radio_button.lua
index d54a1df..93540f3 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/controls/radio_button.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/controls/radio_button.lua
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ local function radio_button(args)
     -- set the value
     ---@param val integer new value
     function e.set_value(val)
-        if val > 0 and val <= #args.options then
+        if type(val) == "number" and val > 0 and val <= #args.options then
             e.value = val
             e.redraw()
         end