Millions of Americans are headed to the polls next week to pick the next president.

  • Middle school students counting their own votes in elections
  • Pasco County Supervisor of Elections even helped the school district
  • Teachers stress importance of students learning political process

But they are not alone.

Students at Pine View Middle School in Pasco County are participating in mock elections, picking Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump or third-party candidates for themselves. 

Students in Kristen Fuqua's classroom have been casting ballots for president, vice-president and state senators. 

The Pasco County Supervisor of Elections even helped the school district set up the kids' computer system for the voting.  

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"I think it's important," said student Alex Pratt. "Because everyones opinion matters and our future depends on it."

Teachers hope the hands on experience will get kids excited about the election process and teach them how important it is to make their voices heard. 

"To be able to experience going through the elections, having to research the candidates, knowing that they're being held accountable and that this is the future in their hands and this is all on them," Fuqua said. "It's their right, their responsibility, it's their choice."