As the only mental health news organization in Colorado – where suicide is the #1 killer of youth, half of our population has self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety and hundreds of thousands go without any support – we believe focusing on mental health in this election is crucial.
Since we are nonpartisan, our goal for the Mental Health Voters' Guide is to present fact-checked material to inform Coloradans about the candidates and issues through the lens of mental health.
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In the mix
We're also including voting eligibility and registration information for residents challenged by specific circumstances and commentary by mental health experts and engaged citizens. We're pleased to offer this content because it illustrates the ways mental health intersects other aspects of our lives and other topics under consideration during this election.
Voter Deadlines
- Sep. 21: Ballots to overseas and military voters mailed
- Oct. 11-18: Mail-in ballots mailed to voters
- Oct. 21-Nov. 5: In-person voting is available at polling centers (except Sundays and the first Saturday of this period) and drop boxes are available to accept ballots
- Oct. 28: Last day to register to vote IF you want a mail-in ballot
- Nov. 5: Election Day
- Nov. 5 (before 7pm): Last day to register to vote, turn in ballots (at drop boxes or your county clerk's office) and vote in person
- Nov. 13: Last day a voter can cure a signature discrepancy or missing signature or to provide missing ID for mail-in or provisional ballot to be counted in the election.
What Colorado candidates have said about mental health
We're working with the Knight Election Hub and Sunlight Research Center to provide this information soon.
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Where mental health appears on the ballot
The Colorado 2024 ballot contains 14 measures initiated by citizens or referred by the Colorado State Legislature. The following measures include mental health in the text or are relevant to Coloradans' mental health.
🟣 Proposition KK: Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax
asks voters to approve a new 6.5% excise tax on sales of guns, gun parts and ammunition beginning Apr. 1, 2025. It would fund mental health services for crime victims, veterans and youth programs in addition to school security and gun safety trainings.
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Latest stories
Thousands of Coloradans responded to a survey about topics important to them in this election
As of Oct. 8, 7,018 residents responded to the Voter Voices survey saying candidates need to focus on good government, the economy, the environment, immigration and abortion. Healthcare came in seventh.
(By Tina Griego, COLab and Megan Verlee, Colorado Public Radio News)
Despite challenges, US election system remains resilient
Election experts anticipate common issues, like ballot shortages and temporary website outages, but say those are normal occurrences that don't indicate fraud or compromised integrity. (By Gary Fields, Associated Press)
For residents with specific challenges who want to vote
If certain circumstances have affected you, likely you are still eligible to vote. Here, we've listed challenges at the intersection of mental health and various life circumstances that may apply to inform you of how to register and vote.
Differently abled voters
If you live with mental illness or related disability challenges, you have the right to vote and may register to vote any time, including Election Day, Nov. 5. Review this information from the Colorado Secretary of State and advocacy organization, Disability Law Colorado to learn more.
- Instructions from the Colorado Secretary of State's website
- General information on Disabled Voting Rights in Colorado
- Specific guidance on voting if you or someone you love lives with mental incapacity.
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Housing-insecure voters
If you are unhoused, you have the right to vote and may register to vote any time, including Election Day, Nov. 5.
- The Colorado Secretary of State allows you to use any address to which you regularly return, such as a shelter, service provider, park, campground, business or any other physical location
- You must list an address of this physical location in order to register to vote and show proof of valid identification, such as a Social Security Number, Colorado Driver’s License or Colorado ID card
- You may change/update your address at any time by filling out the registration form online or printing a copy to complete by hand and submit to your county clerk's office.
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Previously incarcerated voters
As a Colorado resident, if you are currently on parole, probation or have completed your sentence – regardless of the crime – you have the right to vote. If you haven't received voting information, read the FAQ section below or request the following information from your parole officer:
- Pamphlet on your voting rights
- Instructions on registering to vote or updating your voter registration
- Obtaining a ballot
- Other forms or documents you may need.
Note: if you submitted your voter registration form, but your name still appears in the Colorado Secretary of State's (SOS) database as being detained, your county elections official may ask for proof that you have completed your sentence, such as a letter from your parole officer or board. Your name will be removed from the SOS database, but it can take time.
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Currently jailed voters awaiting competency restoration
As a Colorado resident, if you are jailed awaiting trial, jailed awaiting competency restoration or serving a sentence for a misdemeanor conviction, you have the right to vote. You need to contact your jail administrator to coordinate voter registration if you aren't registered already. For more information, read the FAQ section below.
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Voters displaced by a natural disaster
Voters who are displaced due to a natural disaster can receive an emergency replacement ballot within eight days of Election Day. If your identification was destroyed, Colorado law allows you to use a digital ID for voter registration and in-person voting. Access the myColorado app on your phone.
Colorado first responders and health care workers unable to vote on Election Day also are eligible for an emergency replacement ballot.
Voting FAQs
Is there a voting registration deadline?
No, Coloradans may register to vote any time, including Election Day, Nov. 5. If you need to register, you can fill out the registration form online or print a copy to complete by hand and submit to your county clerk's office. Either way, you will need proof of a valid Social Security Number, Colorado Driver’s License or Colorado ID card. You may use a digital ID through the myColorado app on your phone.
How do I know if I'm registered to vote?
Go to GoVoteColorado.gov, click on Find My Registration and enter your information. If you're registered, you'll see your party affiliation, voting district, in-person voting locations and ballot content.
When will I receive my mail-in ballot?
Ballots go out beginning Oct. 11, 2024 and will be mailed through Oct. 18,. 2024, but if you're registered to vote, you can go into any county clerk's office and get a ballot now.
How will I know my ballot was received?
Sign up to receive online notifications from BallotTrax.
Commentary
As we talk about mental health challenges with neighbors around Colorado, one element is clear: regardless of political affiliation, everyone understands the value of mental health. So, we are including the following viewpoints in order to foster deliberative dialogue that prioritizes better understanding of the challenges citizens face when trying to achieve mental wellness.
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Opinion: Here’s how – and why – to vote for your mental health this November
President of Mental Health Colorado Vincent Atchity suggests voters ask candidates about their plans to improve access to mental health support and implement policies that prioritize health over criminalization for those living with mental illness.
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A big THANK YOU to the following organizations for supporting the Colorado Mental Health Voters Guide!
