BANGOR – The usual after-school silence of the Bangor High School gym was replaced by the excited chatter of students, parents and candidates Wednesday evening as the results of Maine’s mock election rolled in.

Approximately 250 people attended the event, including sports players from the University of Maine, Sam the Ram, Bangor’s mascot, and several political candidates.

The mock election among students from around the state is thought to be an excellent predictor of how the state and congressional elections will turn out, according to observers.

Jackie Norton, a representative from Bangor, said the mock election “was a good indicator of what parents think [about the candidates].”

The results, polled from approximately 140 schools in the 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts, showed clear results. In the senatorial race, Republican Susan Collins had 16,699 votes for 72 percent to Democrat Chellie Pingree’s 6,356 votes, or 27 percent, and the others had 90 votes, or 0.5 percent.

The gubernatorial race showed Democrat John Baldacci with 10,601 votes, or 43 percent, to Republican Peter Cianchette with 7,965 votes, or 32 percent, Green Independent Party candidate Jonathan Carter with 3,088 votes, or 12 percent, and independent John Michael with 2,386 votes, or 9 percent. Others had 120 votes, or 4 percent.

In congressional District 1, Democrat Tom Allen won with 7,204 votes, or 60 percent, to Republican Steven Joyce’s 4,589 votes, or 39 percent, and others had 98 votes, or 1 percent.

In congressional District 2, Republican Kevin Raye had 5,482 votes or 52 percent, Democrat Michael Michaud had 5,041 votes, or 47 percent, and others had 33 votes, or 1 percent.

More than just entertainment, observers say this event teaches youths about politics and the voting system, in hopes of keeping them involved in government.

“They understand how important every vote is if they start young,” said state Rep. Pat Blanchette of Bangor. Even the students recognized the importance of a mock election.

“It teaches kids the importance of voting and gets them involved and familiar with the election process,” said 17-year-old Meagan Clifford, a senior at Bangor High School.

The reality and involvement of the mock election proved to be educational and exciting. Asked why he attended this event, Henry Evans, a senior at Bangor High, responded, “You can get the watered-down version of politics on TV, but this is the real thing.”