Around the nation political gurus and ordinary citizens alike are voicing opinions on the 2016 presidential election. Although most high school students can’t vote, the students at Tyrone Area High School are unusually passionate about politics this year.

Despite the fact the voter registration hovers in the 50 percent range nationally, and only 38 percent of those age 18-24 actually voted in the 2012 presidential election, 63.9 percent of Tyrone High School students report that they would vote in this election if they could.

The Tyrone Eagle Eye News conducted a political survey in all high school social studies classes.  There were 368 students in grades nine through 12 that answered the survey. 

An overwhelming 54.1 percent of Tyrone High School students chose Republican Donald Trump for president. Only about 9 percent favored Democrat Hillary Clinton.  The third party candidates Jill Stein and Gary Johnson both polled under five percent.  

Perhaps most surprising of all is that 31 percent of students are still undecided on a presidential candidate.

Clinton currently leads Trump in most Pennsylvania polls of likely voters.  According to one popular average of polls, Clinton is leading Trump in Pennsylvania by a six point margin (49 percent Clinton, 43 percent Trump).

Immigration was cited as the most important issue by 27.8 percent of students, with the economy and taxes trailing slightly behind.

“With terrorists organizations like ISIS and the war…immigrants are coming into the US in big groups and the current government is allowing that to happen even though individuals from ISIS have the chance to sneak in,” said freshman Jesse Price.

Other issues of concern to students included foreign policy, gun control, racial equality, and education. 

“Our relations to the rest of the world [is] essentially what keeps us out of wars. With all recent events, Syrian refugees, terrorist attacks, etc, our foreign policy should be on everyone’s mind,” said senior Kendall Gardner.  

“[A president] should be level headed, have a business background, and not have previous criminal charges,” said Junior Connor Garman.

Sophomore Jacob Svidergol believes that a president should be “charismatic and very knowledgeable on politics and how to lead a large group.” Svidergol believes that Donald Trump has these traits because he knows business very well.

While students are interested in the election, many reported being unhappy with either of the major party candidates.

“I believe we have the absolute worst luck on candidates this year, mainly because you’re looking at a ballistic billionaire (Trump), or a cunning criminal (Clinton),” said Garman.

The next major event on the campaign calendar is the second presidential debate. To preview our future President, watch the debate on October 9th.