Everybody is talking about it, and students in the Appoquinimink School District are no different.
    Even those who are too young to vote for the next President of the United States are discussing the candidates, and they got a chance to voice their opinions this week in the Delaware Student/Parent Mock Election.
    Students in grades four through 12 across Delaware and the U.S. were able to take part in the Mock Election, which allows them to cast a ballot and have their voice counted in an imitation General Election.
    The results from each district will be counted and representatives from each school district will go to Dover on Friday, where each district will be figured into the overall state election. In this sense, the districts are like the states in a nation.
    At Middletown High School, voter participation was voluntary, and many students showed up at the school library for the election.
    Mike Rausch, a teacher at MHS who ran the election there, said many teachers talked to students beforehand about the election and its process.
    “Most classes dedicated time to talk about voting, what they’re voting for and the importance of voting,” he said. “It’s strictly volunteer, much like the adult vote. They have to come and exercise that right.”
    Charel Johnson, 15, was one of the poll workers who helped students register and awarded them with “I Voted Today” stickers after they cast their ballot.
    “I think it’s really good for people to see how the country will be run when we’re of age,” she said. “I’m already excited to vote in 2012.”
    Tayler Baker, 15, said she was thrilled to have a chance to vote, even if it was a Mock Election.
    “It felt good to vote because we all have voices and we need our voice to count. It doesn’t matter how small a scale,” she said. “I don’t think age should matter.”
    Reggie Thompson, 17, exercised his right to vote for Obama.
    “I’m voting because every vote counts and we should have the ability to vote here because we can’t really cast a vote in the real election,” he said. “I like being able to give my opinion. I’m voting for Obama because I think it’s time for change.”
    Brennan Delgenio said he voted for Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain.
    “Obama doesn’t have much experience,” he said. “Hopefully if everybody votes, it represents what’s going to happen in the future.”
    Erin Cichocki, 18, is one of a few students who will get to vote twice this year – once in the Mock Election, and one in the General Election on Nov. 4.
    “I want to have my opinion put into the general pool of opinions at the school,” she said. “I think if you can, you should. A lot of my friends wanted to vote. It’s a right we get and not all countries have that.”
    Cichocki said she also is an Obama supporter.
    “I’m very fond of the Democratic party and not the Republican party,” she said.
    Rausch said the MHS election had a good turnout of students, which could be because students who aren’t old enough to vote want their opinion to count somewhere.
    “I think some kids are more into voting before they are old enough. They tend to get excited about it at 14, 15 or 16,” he said. “I hope an event like this sparks an interest that will stand the test of time until they’re 18.”

The youngest voters
    At Silver Lake Elementary students were just as excited, even though they face a longer wait to when they’re eligible to vote for real.
    A few students said they’re siding with their parents when it comes to voting.
    Josh Moore said he’s a McCain supporter.
    “I am Republican and I think he would do a very good job as President,” he said. “I think this election will be more important than all the other ones. There are a lot of people voting and you can’t tell who is going to win.”
    Steven Martineau said he’s going with Obama.
    “My mom told me he’s a good guy,” he said. “We the people get to choose who helps our country be safe.”
    Raheem Watson said he’s voting because the state of the nation needs to change.
    “I want change for the economy, healthcare and all that,” he said. “I want change in our community and state and everywhere. My mom doesn’t like the gas prices, grocery prices or healthcare prices.”
    Quincy Lucas, a teacher at SLE who announced Sen. Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention, said the Mock Election is a great experience for the young students.
    “Never has there been an opportunity like this for students,” she said. “I like that the Mock Election gives them a chance to have a say. The interest students have in this election is awesome.”