On Oct. 15, Gorham High School held a Mock Election. It was also an opportunity for students to register to vote. Eighteen-year-olds are able to register for this election, while sixteen-year-olds may register for future elections.

Students had a ballot for the United States General Election, a ballot for the State of Maine General Election and the State of Maine Citizen Initiative, Bond Issues and Referendum questions. In addition, they had a ballot for the Town of Gorham Municipal Election Questions 1 and 2. A reminder was provided that voting is a private process – you do not have to show anyone or tell anyone how you voted.

GHS Social Studies teacher Darren Panagakos organized the event, which used actual voting booths and a ballot box borrowed from the town. There were two people from the Gorham Town office who set up a registration table for students to register to vote. Student Council members served as election workers before school, during all 3 lunches and after school. They also helped count the ballot results.

GHS student results included a win for the Harris/Walz presidential ticket over the Trump/Vance ticket (64-57), a win for incumbent senator Angus King (King 54, Kouzounas 29, Costello 19, Cherry 18), a win for incumbent U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree (Pingree 56, Russell 43, Alcorn 20), a win for incumbent Maine Senator Stacy Brenner (Brenner 55, Hamill 49), a close win for Maine Representative Alan Livingstone (Livingstone 52, Sato 51). In addition, all state and local initiatives were approved by the students.