Pennsylvania Election 2023: Champion Mental Health in the General Election!
Get an in-depth look at the 2023 mayoral race with a focus on candidates’ mental health policies, providing essential insights to help you vote with an informed, compassionate perspective.
Pennsylvania Election 2023: Champion Mental Health in the General Election!
Date: September 20, 2023
Author: Brittany O’Neill
Welcome to the Mental Health Partnership's General Election Voting Guide for Philadelphia's Mayoral Campaign!
Mental Health Makes A Difference: Mental health is a critical issue affecting individuals and communities across Philadelphia. Research shows that more than 1.8 million adults in Pennsylvania grapple with mental health conditions, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges.
Your Comprehensive Voting Resource: This guide equips you with valuable insights into the candidates' positions on mental health policies, as well as essential resources and tips for voter registration and making informed decisions.
Election Details
- On November 7, 2023, Pennsylvanians will cast their votes to elect municipal and county-level offices, as well as statewide and municipal judges.
Interactive Voter Guide
- Voters in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties can access C70's Interactive Voter Guide at ballot.seventy.org to view their actual ballot.
Unlock the Potential of Your Ballot: Dive Deeper with a Mental Health Focus!
- Examine your ballot from a mental health perspective.
- Explore the nuances of each office, candidate, and measure featured on your ballot.
Make a Mindful Voting Plan
- Chart your voting course by understanding when, where, and how to cast your vote.
- Sign up for optional reminders to ensure you don’t miss out.
Vote Wisely and Promote Mental Health Awareness
- Share your saved ballot with friends and family, whether you're voting by mail or in person.
- Encourage others to explore your ballot and join the conversation about prioritizing mental health in our elections.
Find Your Polling Place on Atlas
- Use the Atlas tool to locate your polling place.
- Access information on accessibility and parking.
- Preview your election ballot.
- Find contact information for your elected officials.
- Polling places are open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Vote by Mail Ballot
- To apply, you must be a registered voter. Check your status on the PA Voter Services site.
- Deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot: October 31, 2023, by 5:00 PM.
- Deadline to return your voted ballot: November 7, 2023, by 8:00 PM.
- Apply here
Candidates for Mayor
David Oh (Republican):
- Learn more at www.davidoh.com
- Former Assistant D.A. focused on safety, job creation, and education.
“What I would do as a mayor is start by showing these groups of people that we have neglected and abandoned and treated like crap that this is a new day. Your health and safety does matter to us.”
— Philadelphia Mayoral Candidate David Oh
Cherelle Parker (Democrat):
- Learn more at www.cherelleparker.com
- Former teacher advocating for a safer, cleaner, greener city with economic opportunities for all.
“Our message has taken hold across the city, but most importantly in the neighborhoods and the communities who are closest to the pain of gun violence, neighborhood blight, struggling schools — and quite frankly, a lack of economic opportunity.”
— Philadelphia Mayoral Candidate Cherelle Parker
Courts and Candidates
Commonwealth Court
Superior Court
Retention Elections
- Voters will decide on retaining two Superior Court judges for 10-year terms.
- Judge Vic Stabile (Republican, elected 2013) seeks a second term.
- President Judge Jack Panella (Democrat, elected 2003) seeks a third term.
Your vote is your voice and can shape the future of mental health advocacy in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. Make an informed choice and prioritize mental health in the upcoming election!
Related Reading from Our Advocacy Corner
Stay informed and inspired by exploring more stories from our Advocacy Corner. From uplifting community visits to powerful policy insights and personal recovery journeys, these articles spotlight the people and progress shaping mental health advocacy today.
Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities
From peer-led recovery programs to statewide advocacy and education, our work touches thousands of lives every year. These numbers reflect our deep commitment to accessible, compassionate, and person-centered mental health support across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
8,480
individuals and families served
34
active programs across the region
1,106
Peer Specialists trained each year
5,801
people supported through direct services
3000+
individuals reached monthly through homeless outreach
1,573
engaged in community advocacy
Real Stories of Hope and Recovery
We’re here to champion every journey to wellness, offering unwavering support and transformational advocacy. Together, we foster resilience and recovery—so everyone can thrive and live their fullest life in the community, free from barriers to mental health care.
"I'm so grateful for the community that's here and the people that I get to work with in a way that they inspire me every day."
"Every experience I've had with MHP thus far has been great, from the training to being able to get support, a community, sponsorships to go places I never thought I'd go."
"MHP has given me so much, I want to give back."
"Give you your own purpose, you know, just like doing something more. Just a good feeling for me. Now I can be productive."
"MHP has a long history of being a really trusted and reliable resource for peer specialists.
So these experiences already live within your walls."
"The incredible empowerment and the impact that peers have in the field of mental health."
"There's something really, really powerful that happens when you're connecting with someone who's sitting across from you and says, you know, I see you and I hear you. Because I've been there."
"...and just that little click. Wow, it's so powerful just to have somebody who understands exactly how you feel, because we can sympathize all day, but to have somebody else in the room with me, to say, I've done it too, I've experienced that too, allows for a bond that goes beyond words."
"That opened me up to talk to other people so I could coach them and have them get the aha moment again. I did it and I'm glad that I got into new ways of thinking."
"I'm able to be helpful just to know that, like, all that hard work I put through actually paid off."
"And I hope that everybody would get the opportunity to connect with that organization"
"At Mental Health Partnerships. Together..."
"Together..."
"Together..."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"We build hope."
"We build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Period!"
Guiding Principles for Empowerment and Growth
At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast commitment to core values that shape every aspect of our work. These values—rooted in hope, empowerment, and respect—guide us in fostering environments where individuals can thrive, exercise self-determination, and pursue lifelong learning. By embracing a holistic, non-judgmental, and culturally aware approach, we empower individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute to their communities.
Together, We Build Hope
At Mental Health Partnerships, we are dedicated to fostering hope and resilience. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where individuals can regain control of their mental health and live fulfilling lives. We offer personalized care that aligns with your unique needs and helps you connect with a community that cares.
Real Stories of Hope & Gratitude
Hear directly from individuals whose lives have been touched by our programs and services. Whether it’s case management, family support, or peer-led guidance, these stories showcase the power of compassionate care and unwavering belief in every person’s potential for recovery and growth.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
At MHP, we understand that the journey to mental wellness can feel overwhelming. With peer-led support, proven resources, and a warm, caring community, we’re here to guide you through every step—so you never have to walk this path alone.