OLYMPIA - As the 2013 general election nears, students in grades K-12 will have a chance to vote in the Washington State Mock Election starting Monday.

Sponsored by the Office of Secretary of State, the Mock Election, in its ninth year, is a nonpartisan, educational program that teaches children to be informed voters. Participating students can practice reading and decision-making skills while becoming engaged and thoughtful citizens.

The Mock Election is free and open to all K-12 students, whether they attend private or public schools, or are home schooled. Secretary of State Kim Wyman said the Mock Election prepares students for an active role in civic life.

"My hope is that every Washington student will graduate with the skills to fully engage in our democracy, and have the passion to do so," Wyman said. "The Mock Election is a great way to introduce students to voting and why it's important."

This year, students can weigh in on two high-profile initiatives, I-517, concerning signature gathering for initiatives, and I-522, concerning labeling for genetically modified food.

Teachers participating in the event are provided with kid-friendly voters' pamphlets and sample ballots. Voting will take place online beginning 9 a.m. Monday and ending at 1 p.m. Nov. 1.

More information on the Mock Election can be found at www.sos.wa.gov/elections/mock/.