B allots are in, and Mitt Romney has been declared the next U.S. president – or at least according to the results of Andalusia High School’s mock election held Tuesday.

The exercise was conducted by the Student Government Association at AHS, where those in grades nine through 12 followed the same voting procedures that will be put it to practice next week.

“We thought this was a great way to introduce students to the whole election process – from start to finish, from registering to vote and casting a ballot to seeing a winner declared,” said Cavelle Jones, SGA sponsor. “I think this was a good experience to get the nerves out for those who will be voting for the first time next week.”

The voting materials, ballots and a voting machine were provided to the school by Probate Judge Ben Bowden, she said.

In the weeks leading up to the “election,” Jones’ English classes ran candidate campaigns by using posters, bulletin boards and discussions on issues.

Students were required provide identification when voting. Seniors cast the first ballots at 8:30 a.m., and the “polls,” located inside the AHS library, closed at 10:30 a.m. SGA officers served as poll workers. Bowden’s daughter and SGA president, Anna Beth Bowden, also served as the chief election supervisor, posting the results.

Jones said 486 students were registered to vote; however, only 336 cast a ballot, bringing voter turnout to 69 percent.

President Barack Obama received 154 ballots (45.8 percent) to Romney’s 182 votes (54.2 percent).

“I also think it was a good demonstration to illustrate the importance of voting,” she said. “It really showed how each vote counted.”