MARSHALL — For Marshall High School students, the Minnesota governor’s race was a close one — so close that a mock election ended in a tie for Tim Walz and Scott Jensen.

On Monday, more than 200 people at MHS took part in a mock election organized by the MHS Honor Society. The mock ballot included key state races, as well as the Marshall School Board race and Marshall Public Schools’ operating referendum question.

In the mock gubernatorial race, Walz and Jensen tied in the lead, with each candidate receiving 98 votes. The mock election results also showed support for a mix of Republican and Democratic candidates. In the state Senate race, DFL challenger Anita Gaul defeated Republican Sen. Gary Dahms, with 143 votes to Dahms’ 111 votes. In the state House race, Rep. Chris Swedzinski was the winner, with 130 votes compared to 119 votes for DFL challenger Keith Van Overbeke.

Students also supported Steve Simon for Minnesota Secretary of State and Keith Ellison for Attorney General, but elected Republican challenger Ryan Wilson for State Auditor.

In the mock election, students came out in favor of MPS’ proposal for a $675 per-pupil operating referendum. The question received 158 “yes” votes and 75 “no” votes.

Honor Society members said the mock election wasn’t just for fun — it was a learning experience for MHS students.

“In the week leading up to it, we did a lot of voter education,” said Sophia Gaul, one of the Honor Society committee members who organized the event.

“We had a table set out, and we provided information about the candidates that would be on the ballot,” said committee member Nnenna Onyeaghala.

Honor society members said the mock election was a good exercise for high school students, especially for students old enough to participate in their first election.

“I hope doing things like this in high school can encourage young people to go out and vote,” Onyeaghala said.

“As an honor society and a school, I think it’s good that we do it,” Gaul said.