BATON ROUGE--Approximately 88,600 K-12 students from 280 public, private and home schools in 56 of 64 parishes have cast their vote in Vote Dat!, Louisiana’s 2012 Presidential Mock Elections, sponsored by the Secretary of State’s Office, Cox Communications and the Old State Capitol Foundation.

The partnership gives students the chance to vote for president, as well as, learn about the political process. The results of the voting will be announced Thursday as students from across the state gather in a convention-style setting at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol.

“Early voting by students from across Louisiana has exceeded our expectations,” said Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler. “It is my hope that this mock election will inspire students to become lifelong voters who actively participate in our great democracy.”

“We could not be prouder of this partnership,” said Jacqui Vines, senior vice president and general manager for Cox’s Southeast Region. “Participation in the mock elections shows the great things we can expect from this generation.”

9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Students register and can take photographs with life-sized cutouts of President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney.

11 a.m.

Participants will enjoy Raising Cane’s ® on the grounds of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol as well as a live performance by the Istrouma High School band

Noon – 1 p.m.

Speeches by Young Democrats, Young Republicans and sponsors

1:30 p.m.

Winner of Mock Election announced by students during a roll call of parishes and overall winner announced by LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri.

A mock election is a process where students get to vote for one of two presidential candidates without having their vote count in the “official election.” Voting was conducted through the Internet, with school computers acting as voting booths.