Moodfuel’s Voter Guide Keeps Mental Health in Mind

With just a week away from the November 5, it may already feel like it’s time to tap out of the election. Whatever happens, happens. However, there is still time to decide how you will vote. This year’s ballot has plenty which will impact the mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ Coloradans, from Amendment J to Proposition KK. Moodfuel, a mental wellness news site based in Colorado, has developed a voter’s guide for all who need it. This guide covers when and where to vote, what measures will have the biggest impact on mental health, and advice for mental health management.

Moodfuel’s stated goal with the voter’s guide is to “present fact-checked, nonpartisan material to inform you about the candidates and measures on your ballot through the lens of mental health.” Moodfuel reviewed statewide propositions and amendments while also surveying candidates in the state.

Several amendments, initiatives, and local measure will directly affect mental health outcomes. Already mentioned is Amendment J, which will lift the same-sex marriage ban of 2006, and Proposition KK, which would use tax revenue from firearms sales to fund mental health services if passed. Additionally, local Denver Measure 2Q would increase funding for Denver Public Health. Because Moodfuel focused on the state-wide concerns, this isn’t on their guide, but it is still relevant to their mission!

Most importantly, Moodfuel also provides guides to residents who may not have the means to vote. For all residents, you may register the day of the election. You must have some form of ID to vote. This can be a Colorado issued ID or an SSN. For residents who are unhoused, they remind you that you may use the address you frequent most often, even if it is a park or a shelter.  Moodfuel provides additional resources for disabled residents, whether that is due mental health, physical, or developmental reasons.

Not everything is on the voter’s guide. Moodfuel only interviewed State Senate and State House candidates. They do not provide information for complex decisions, either, such as the Harris or Trump platforms. Moodfuel focuses primarily on what will most directly impact Coloradan voters. With that in mind, only 26 of the total 219 candidates running for Colorado’s state congress responded to Moodfuel’s surveys.

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