Patrick Hamilton Elementary School cast ballots Tuesday through Every Kid Votes!, sponsored by the social studies curriculum.

Principal Heather Nash said students log on to a computer and choose their candidate.

The deadline was extended to Friday due to superstorm Sandy.

“At the end of the window,” Nash said, “we will find out our building results and get to compare to who actually wins” between President Barack Obama and Michigan native Gov. Mitt Romney.

Studies Weekly is hosting this student election because education’s purpose is to produce a self-governing citizenry and thought it would be a fun activity for subscribers to practice informed voting — the most basic and essential act of citizenry.

With its nationwide subscriber base, it was in a position to pull it off and thought, “What could be more fun?”

Studies Weekly invited schools nationwide to participate — not just subscribers.

Studies Weekly online election materials include candidate information from the Democratic, Republican, Libertarian and Constitution parties, as well as information about the Green Party, Reform Party and Tea Party platforms.

Online student and teacher materials list many additional resources (books and websites) for learning more about political parties.

In 2008, millions of students participated in the Studies Weekly election.

This year, there are 11,000 schools nationally with access to the mock election.

Participation is controlled by local school administrators.

With a maximum potential of 5 million students voting, the actual number will likely be less.