Ballots and Bowls

Vegan AF Box is hosting Ballots and Bowls, a progressive ballot party, in partnership with Indivisible Gunnison, League of Women Voters, Gunnison Democrats, and more on Sunday, Oct. 18 from noon to 4 p.m. at Legion Park.

Vegan AF Box owner Mollie Contreras got the idea for Ballots and Bowls after connecting with a Denver-based vegan food truck, Alpine Eatery, online. They had organized a successful ballot-themed event called Ballots and Beers, which Mollie and her husband, Anthony, visited to discuss logistics and how they made the event work. Inspired by their encouragement and the possibility of bringing that kind of community event to Gunnison, Mollie decided to organize Ballots and Bowls.

The goal is to provide progressive voters with a community event to help them understand ballot measures and encourage informed voting, particularly on measures that the event's organizers see as misleading or difficult to interpret. The event aims to educate young voters, encourage non-voters to vote, and provide information on ballot measures and voting processes to anyone curious. Attendees can grab a meal while learning, as Vegan AF will be selling three $10 vegan bowl options at the event: teriyaki, peanut, and burrito.

“The ballot this year is particularly difficult to understand, and it’s one of the largest in Colorado history,” said Contreras. “The majority, if not all, of the titles are misleading. So if you read the titles, you might say yes. But you read more, and it gets confusing. We’re here to help left voters understand what they’re voting on in a digestible way.”

This drop-in event will take place on Sunday afternoon from 12:00-4:00 pm, with brief ballot presentations on the hour at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00. There will be information tables for specific ballot measures, such as a No on 134 and 135 table, Colorado Wild and No on 83, Yes on 87 and 136, and the No on 132 campaign.

Volunteers and public figures, such as Commissioner Laura Puckett Daniels, Gunnison Congregational Church pastor Ian Wrisley, local activist Jordan Wylde, and City Council member Audrey Zahradka will be present to answer voting questions. Wrisley, Zahradka, and Contreras will be hosting the ballot briefs at the top of every hour. Each information session will last no more than 20 minutes, with roughly 90 seconds to touch on each ballot measure.

“Everyone presenting is very progressive, if not leftist,” said Zahradka. “But I think that discussion and information is how we build bonds as a community. I would encourage anyone to come as long as they have an open mind and are willing to hear what we have to say and engage in civil discussion.”

Other political groups, such as Indivisible Gunnison, League of Women Voters, Gunnison Democrats, Gunnison Valley Pride, and Gunnison Valley Singing Resistance and Pony Express, will be at the event to offer assistance with voting-related questions. Gunnison Valley Pride will provide the PA system for information sessions and patriotic music, and there may be musical participation by the Singing Resistance.

Jen Hillebrandt of Indivisible Gunnison explained that their nonpartisan group will be there to help voters get information about ballot boxes and mail-in voting, and to promote The Pony Express, a local voter-support hotline that can help people get to the polls or have their ballots delivered if they need assistance. Hillebrandt also noted that there will not be a No Kings event on Oct. 17, as they found it more effective to join forces with Ballots and Bowls rather than host a separate event.

Though this event is marketed towards left and progressive voters, anyone is welcome to come learn and discuss with local political officials and volunteers, even with differing political opinions.

“Everybody’s main goal is ‘hands off our vote,’” said Hillebrandt. “Don’t be complacent, don’t pretend it doesn’t matter, don’t neglect it because it’s only the midterms. Do your research, come ask questions, vote early.”

Voters are encouraged to bring their ballots and their friends. For voters interested in using The Pony Express, contact 970-713-8374.