Albert Lea High School students were given a voice in the presidential election Monday.

Students cast their votes in a mock presidential election at Albert Lea High School.

The mock election was part of Albert Lea High School social studies teacher Jim Haney’s AP government course.

“The day was a big success, as students got a feel of what real voting is like, and that the decision they make on the ballot does have an impact on how a group of people pick their leaders,” Haney said.

Senior Audrey Laite said she enjoyed the election.

“It’s really fun, and it is really interesting to hear who people are voting for … it is just very interesting to see what my peers are saying,” she said.

In a write-in vote, Laite voted for Bernie Sanders, and said she understands Sanders’ position on a lot of issues.

Sanders was defeated by Democrat Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary.

“I agree with a lot of his viewpoints, and I thought he would have been a good candidate,” she said.

Laite said she is interested in politics.

“I am to an extent,” she said. “I am interested in it, and I want to learn more about it, but I think it requires someone very open-minded to explain politics to someone else.”

Election assistant Darren Guildner, 18, said he supports Republican nominee Donald Trump, and he plans to vote in November’s election.

“He knows what he wants, and he doesn’t, like, beat around the bush about a lot of things,” he said. “He is kind of brief.”

Students were given “I voted” stickers and creative election ideas.

Statewide school election results will be available Nov. 1.

Trump rolled to a resounding victory in the mock election with 352 votes. Democratic party candidate Hillary Clinton finished second with 223 votes.

Dan Vacek, the Legalize Marijuana Now Party candidate, finished third with 58 votes. Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson finished with 42 votes, and Green Party candidate Jill Stein finished with 31 votes.

Students submitted 35 votes for a write-in candidate. Nineteen votes were cast for Independent Party candidate Evan McMullin, and 16 votes were cast for Reform Party candidate Rocky De La Fuente.

Socialist Workers Party candidate Alyson Kennedy finished last with 11 votes.

Haney said the program was beneficial to students.

“The program is a great way for students to understand the voting process,” he said. “It is my hope that we continue this program for a long time.”