Voting in Upper St. Clair got under way early on Thursday as the high school's law club held its biennial mock election.

The excitement surrounding this year's presidential race had more students voting during their lunch and free periods than the election two years ago.

"We're showing that politics aren't just for the nerdy kids," said Elizabeth Vargo, club president.

Junior Sean Ketchel made sure to cast his ballot.

"It's good preparation and even if it's a mock election, it can still persuade people. And provide reassurance and convince others," he said.

Four years ago, Upper St. Clair High School students said they wanted Barack Obama as their president with their votes.

This year's results are as follows:

U.S. President:
Mitt Romney - 278 votes
Barack Obama - 217 votes
Gary Johnson - 118 votes
Jill Stein - 21 votes

U.S. Senator:
Tom Smith - 301 votes
Bob Casey, Jr. - 278 votes
Rayburn Douglas Smith - 59 votes

Representative in Congress District 18:
Tim Murphy (an Upper St. Clair resident) - 213 votes
Larry Maggi - 152 votes

Attorney General:
David Freed - 310 votes
Kathleen Kane - 208 votes
Marakay Rogers - 121 votes

Auditor General:
John Maher (an Upper St. Clair resident) - 356 votes
Eugene Depasquale - 176 votes
Betsy Summers - 114 votes

State Treasurer:
Diana Irey Vaughan - 321 votes
Robert McCord - 287 votes
Patricia Fryman - 88 votes

State Senate District 37:
D. Raja - 434 votes
Matthew Smith - 134 votes

Upper St. Clair's mock election used to be part of a statewide mock student election, but this year the program isn't taking place due to budgetary issues.

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