As the only mental health news organization in Colorado – where suicide is the #1 killer of youth, half our population 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. So, we've created the first-ever Colorado Mental Health Voters' Guide.
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Our goals
We created the Mental Health Voters' Guide to present fact-checked, nonpartisan material to inform you about the candidates and measures on your ballot through the lens of mental health. With this information, Colorado voters can better assess the people who will lead and legislate for us and the measures affecting our ability to achieve mental wellness.
What candidates said about mental health in Colorado
We received 24 responses to our three-question survey from state legislative candidates out of 219 emailed. In analyzing their responses, we observed recurring themes. So, we created symbols to summarize this information for easy scanning while highlighting significant comments.
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Where mental health appears on the ballot
Of the 14 statewide measures listed on the 2024 Colorado ballot, the following include references to mental health in the text or are relevant to residents' mental health.
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Referenced in the text
▶️ Proposition KK: Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax
This measure 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.
🟢 A "yes" vote supports levying the tax for mental health services and programs
🔴 A "no" vote opposes levying the tax for mental health services and programs.
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Relevant to mental health
These ballot measures affect two populations in Colorado who tend to experience increased risk for suicidal intensity. Therefore, these initiatives are directly relevant mental health.
▶️ Amendment G: Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with Individual Unemployability Status
This amendment to the state constitution would expand the property tax exemption for veterans with a disability to include those with one service-connected disability rated at 60 percent or two service-connected disabilities with a combined disability rating of at least 70 percent. The Veterans' Administration rates the severity of a disability from one to 100 percent. A 70 percent rating means a veteran experienced serious injuries or mental conditions, like spinal damage or post-traumatic stress disorder. According to The Colorado Sun, the proposed amendment would affect 3,700 Colorado veterans.
🟢 A "yes" vote would support expanding the property tax exemption
🔴 A "no" vote would oppose expanding the property tax exemption.
▶️ Amendment J: Remove Constitutional Same-Sex Marriage Ban
This amendment to the state constitution asks voters to remove a provision that states, "Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state."
🟢 A "yes" vote supports removing this provision
🔴 A "no" vote opposes removing this provision.
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Latest Stories
NAMI urges voters to consider impact of mental health on most election issues
By Renata Hill, Moodfuel
From LGBTQIA2S+ rights to veterans' care to affordable housing, NAMI initiative, #Vote4MentalHealth, explains mental health impacts on most election topics.
What to expect in Colorado on Election Day
By Associated Press
Coloradans consider tight Congressional races and a variety of ballot measures in this historic election.
From behind bars to the ballot box: Colorado's groundbreaking inmate voting initiative
By Suzie Glassman, Colorado Community Media
A new state law establishes in-person polling places in detention centers, empowering eligible incarcerated voters to participate in democracy.
Colorado has made it easier for Native communities to vote, but barriers remain
By Daliah Singer, Colorado Collective
Colorado has introduced a tribal voting coordinator role and on-reservation polling centers, yet turnout inequities persist for Indgienous Peoples.
Community-level efforts energize Black voters amid political stress
By Matt Brown and Freida Frisaro, Associated Press
Churches, barbershops, sports teams and grassroots organizations host events combining entertainment and civic engagement to encourage voter participation in Black communities.
Navigating election season: a guide for parents to protect kids' wellbeing
By Jacque Cutillo, Youth Villages
Mental health professionals offer guidance for parents and caregivers on helping youth to navigate political discussions, manage information overload and maintain mental wellness.
See Thy Neighbor
By Ivory Kennedy, Three-Fifths
In 2024, amid the noise of technology and political division, knocking on a neighbor’s door may seem like an outdated or even anxiety-inducing act. Yet, during my recent experience canvassing in Akron, Ohio, I was reminded of the importance of these face-to-face interactions and their potential to spark meaningful conversations across differences.
Colorado considers innovative solution to victims services funding crisis
By Julianne McShane, Mother Jones
Prop KK gun tax aims to offset plummeting federal support for domestic violence, sexual assault and mental health programs.
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Election Commentary
As we talk about mental health challenges with neighbors around Colorado, one element is clear: regardless of political affiliation, everyone agrees about the value of mental wellness. So, we're including the following viewpoints in order to foster more deliberative dialogue.
The Lavender Scare echoes from the 50s to election rhetoric today
(Opinion)
A Pulitzer Prize-nominated writer and historian warns of potential resurgence of anti-Queer discrimination, citing similarities between historical persecution and current campaign.
Letter: Politicians must get educated about mental illness, not mental health
(Letter to the Editor)
A national advocate urges candidates to learn about the challenges of living with serious mental illness.
Taylor Tomlinson prepares for Election Night mental health crisis
(Video short)
After showcasing an innovative new way to store eggs, Taylor Tomlinson helps you get ready for the impending mental health crisis that we’re all about to collectively experience on Election Night. Later, Taylor takes a look at a new campaign ad encouraging you to do whatever you want in the voting booth.
Should lifers be able to vote? One argues yes
(Opinion)
A writer serving a life sentence explains the ways restoring voting rights to those incarcerated without parole would aid in rehabilitation and provide valuable perspectives on criminal justice reform.
Here’s how – and why – to vote for your mental health this November
(Opinion)
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.
How to disagree better
(podcast)
It feels like our world is deeply polarized and we fundamentally disagree with so many people, but it turns out that we aren’t as divided as we think because our minds can fool us. This episode show ways to tame this misconception and relate to people who think differently.
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For residents with mental health challenges who want to vote
If certain circumstances affect you, likely you are still eligible to vote. Here, we've listed challenges at the intersection of mental health and various life circumstances to inform you of how to register and vote.
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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
- General guidance on voting from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law if you or someone you love lives with mental challenges
- Specific guidance on voting in Colorado from Disability Law Colorado if you or someone you love lives with mental challenges.
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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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Voters in jail awaiting competency restoration
As a Colorado resident, if you are jailed awaiting entry into a competency restoration program, 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.
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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.
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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.
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Colorado 2024 Voters' Blue Book
This booklet provides information on the 14 statewide measures that will appear on your ballot. It includes information on judges who will be considered for retention in your area. You will receive information about local government ballot measures separately. View the Blue Book in English online here.
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Our process for developing the Guide
According to Mental Health America, mental health in Colorado declined sharply from 2023 to 2024. So, we wanted to learn about voters' perspectives on and state legislative candidates' knowledge of the struggle to achieve mental wellness in our state.
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We asked Colorado voters one question about mental health
Beginning in Sep. 2024, we questioned 100 Colorado voters from urban areas, the rural eastern plains, the Four Corners area and a mountain town what they would ask state candidates on the topic of mental health. We received 52 responses via email and social media. Their top concern was an inability to access competent, affordable mental health care.
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Then, we asked state legislative candidates three questions
Using the Colorado voters' responses as a starting point, we created a three-question survey and emailed it to the 76 state senate candidates and 143 state house candidates, Oct.11-14. Our goal was to gauge their familiarity with the mental health challenges faced by so many residents and their concrete plans to improve mental health care access.
A big THANK YOU to the following organizations for supporting the Colorado Mental Health Voters Guide!
