Many Canadian kids are more politically aware than adults give them credit for. And some have already cast their ballots this time around.

"In our school traditionally, our kids have done a lot around voting," says Allen Davidson, vice principal and one of two social studies teachers at Red Deer Lake School, in the Municipal District of Foothills, just outside Calgary. "This election is no different. I know Canadian tax payers may not be so happy, but for social studies teachers, these frequent elections are great opportunities for learning."

The Grade 9 curriculum looks at issues like governance, immigration, the justice system, and ways that citizens can affect those issues, Davidson says. "That can happen in a variety of ways, but they realize we have the opportunity to do that through our ballot, through voting."

Davidson says the students at Red Deer Lake are politically aware.

"Students often gravitate towards the policies of the NDP. Kids want a just world, they don't want injustice. But without a lot of experience, they have a different opinion than the more experienced voters in the country," he says. "Our votes tend to mirror the province, even after we've looked at platforms. It's unique and it tells us a lot about the culture."

Students from Grades 6 to 9 took part in Student Vote, a national program through Elections Canada designed to engage students, build critical thinking and decision making skills, and teach them about the democratic process. Students cast ballots and the results are released one day after the federal election.

Grade 9 students Cameron Hayley, Rhyan Spratt, Sean Massey, Madison Turbach and Leslie Hall cast their ballots one week prior to Spring Break.

"Yesterday we took our Student Vote," Cameron says. "I find it interesting that we have had four elections in seven years and nothing has changed. I think it will be interesting to see results from our Student Vote, to see what the younger population feels and how that compares."

The students' social studies classes have discussions on the federal parties, examine platforms and issues, and figure out who they think best measures up.

"Most adults I've talked to, they haven't turned on the news, or done any research on the parties, whereas, we have. I think it's fun because I know more than they do. I can teach my parents and educate them so they can make better decisions," says Cameron, 14.

Student Vote has created 11 parallel election projects since the program started in 2002. In Alberta, 709 schools participated in Student Vote this year, says Taylor Gunn, Chief Election Officer for Student Vote. Across the country, students in more than 4,300 schools cast their ballots.

"All the politicians aim their strategies towards older groups of people, (focusing) on pension plans. I think it would be more productive if they focused on education and helping younger people get jobs, things that would apply to our age group," Sean says.

Cameron says he wouldn't want to be a politician. "I know we may criticize Stephen Harper for what he's doing. But, when you look at running a whole country, schools are a very small part of that. Put yourself in the Prime Minister's shoes. I think it's one of the hardest jobs in the whole world to do."

"No matter what you do, you're going to be criticized," Sean adds.