TOPSHAM, Maine — Maine students received firsthand experience in voting as they participated in a statewide mock election.
On Tuesday at Mt. Ararat High School in Topsham, students like Isla Drewette-Card and Brooke Moore learned about the voting process.
"It was really interesting to see all the things that go into an election and how voting works," Drewette-Card, a junior, shared.
She and Moore were two of the thousands of students across 138 schools casting ballots in the election simulation, choosing candidates for the presidential, U.S. Senate, and House races.
Moore noted that, while many students have accompanied parents to the polls in the past, this was the first time they were able to “vote” themselves.
"It’s been nice to actually do it ourselves," she said.
Educators like Mt. Ararat teacher Reilly Fitzgerald hope this hands-on experience will deepen students’ understanding of civic engagement and empower them to participate actively when they turn 18.
"If we can give them an opportunity to see what it’s like now, I think that’s a great idea," Fitzgerald explained.
The mock election, organized by the Maine Secretary of State's office, is no mere classroom exercise.
Historically, the results have held surprising accuracy, according to data the secretary's office has. Maine students have correctly chosen the winning presidential candidate in every election since 2008, beginning with Barack Obama’s victory over John McCain.
The results of this mock election are expected on Wednesday.