BANGOR – More than 23,000 high school and middle school students voiced their opinions in a mock election Wednesday, and while referendum questions, the gubernatorial and congressional seats were close races, there was no denying who the students wanted for their U.S. senator in this November’s upcoming election.

Incumbent first-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins finished with a commanding lead over the challenging Democratic candidate, Chellie Pingree, by nearly 10,000 votes. Susan Collins earned 16,699 votes, for 72 percent of the total, while Pingree had 6,356 votes for 27.5 percent. There were 90 various write-in votes for 0.5 percent.

Democrat John Baldacci won the gubernatorial campaign with 10,601 votes, or 43 percent of the total. Baldacci edged out Republican Peter Cianchette, who had 7,965 nominations for 32 percent of the vote. Green Independent Jonathan Carter had 3,088, or 12 percent, and Independent John Michael had 2,386 for 9 percent.

Democrat Tom Allen claimed the District 1 race amongst students, 7,204 votes (60 percent) to Republican Steven Joyce’s 4,589 votes (39 percent). There were 98 write-ins for 1 percent.

Republican Kevin Raye pulled out a close victory over Democrat Mike Michaud, 5,482-5,041. Raye’s votes were good for 52 percent of the vote, while Michaud earned 47 percent. There were 33 write-ins for 1 percent.

While students were generally in favor of change regarding the referendum questions, Question 1, which asked voters to approve a $25 million bond to raise funds to build a new correctional facility in Machias and to make improvements to the Maine Correctional Center in South Windham, failed. No votes outnumbered yes votes, 6,568-5,054, or 57 percent to 43 percent.

Question 2, involving 14 different items, gained approval from the students at 140 schools around the state. Involving $24.1 million in funds to support agricultural and environmental improvements and precautionary measures, it passed with 71 percent of the vote, 8,214-3,425.