Dry run for voting

Students at Cloquet High School voted early this week when they participated in a mock election held in the school library Wednesday. The election was set up like a local polling station, with seniors acting as poll workers to register voters, explain ballots and supervise the process.

CHS government teacher Chris Swanson brought his classes to the all-day election each period. He said students had the opportunity to vote during a social studies class period on Wednesday.

"This mock election is geared toward demystifying voting," Swanson said. "Students will have a better understanding of the process, the ballot, and the responsibility and privilege of citizenship after participating today."

Sophia Johnson was handing out ballots to her classmates and explaining how to vote correctly. Included on the ballot were candidates for president and vice President, U.S. senator, U.S. representative, and state representative.

Johnson said the election was "100 percent" important. "I think it gives students an opportunity to make their voices heard and give people a general idea of where kids [opinions] lie."

Students in the College Government class planned to tally the vote totals Thursday, after this week's Pine Knot went to press.