Whitehall-Coplay Middle School students participated in mock voting Oct. 18. Social studies teacher Stephen Piston organized the event, along with other social studies teachers at the building.

Piston said the idea for a mock election originated with Robert Kolb, a former teacher, who is now the vice president of the district’s school board. Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Barbara Chomik and Principal Pete Bugbee also played a vital role in fruition of the event, according to Piston.

Piston and Bugbee, along with PTO Plus volunteers, acted as voter moderators, helping the students sign into the ledger and scan the cards to allow them to vote.

“We did this many years ago,” Piston said. “I was expecting to get the old machines, but we got the new ones. It’s great because it gives the students the real experience, including the ledger.”

Piston said social studies teachers incorporated lessons about political parties and the right to vote into their classrooms.

“I really enjoy seeing the excitement on kids’ faces when they get to vote. Also, I appreciate all the help of everyone involved,” Piston added.