BROCKWAY, Pa. -- As voters headed to the polls today, hundreds of students at Brockway Area Junior-Senior High School in Jefferson County were admittedly more than a little envious. They have spent the past few weeks engaged in the political process and would give anything to have had their votes counted.

"We've learned where the candidates stand on the issues, we've done worksheets, and we've looked at both of their Web sites," said Baily Guzie, 16.

Although the majority of students at Brockway are ineligible to vote, that doesn't mean they shouldn't care about the issues or understand the process that elects the president of the United States. Getting young people excited about government and knowledgeable about how to make an informed choice at the polls was the focus of a full slate of activities at Brockway leading up to a mock election last week.

In addition to in-class study of the major candidates and issues, other activities included a get out and vote video, an assembly by a Franklin Roosevelt impersonator who talked about the Great Depression, the New Deal and challenges America faces today. Jefferson County Commissioner Jeff Pisarcik also brought in an electronic voting machine to demonstrate how the equipment is used. He also encouraged students who were old enough to vote to do just that. Students said the politically charged atmosphere has provided a tremendous learning experience.

"I think it's what every school should do because one day students that can't vote will be able to vote, and they should be knowledgeable about what's going on," said Roy Sanders, 19.

Students were not pushed to support a particular candidate but were urged to take a stand and be prepared to defend their choice, which is exactly what they did.

"One of the things that has happened is we've had a little bit of rivalry. The kids have been wearing buttons supporting this candidate or that candidate. I haven't been upset about seeing them debate or argue because I think it's great that they're involved in what's going on," said English teacher Ryan Devlin.

So what do students who can't vote yet say about those people who could vote but choose not to?

"That really bothers me," said Jourdan Anderson, 16. "I think they have no right to complain about anything in the country if they don't get out and vote. It's so easy. It doesn't take a lot of time. Everybody should vote."