Deighton Zerby may be more right than he realizes. The Cathedral senior said Tuesday that a statewide mock election held among high school students is an accurate indicator of candidates’ support, showing &uot;a more diversified group&uot; than targeted media polls.

We agree that the students’ mock elections are a telling pulse of the country.

And, what’s most curious about this year’s election is the apparent interest among young people — particularly those not old enough to vote.

We hear over and over again how Generation X, those younger voters, cannot connect with the candidates or the issues in this presidential campaign. That apparent disconnection from the issues and campaign leads to apathy and lack of voter response.

Yet, Gen X’ers’ younger siblings — those 14 through 17 years old, do seem to care. More than 57,000 high school students statewide — including more than 1,500 in Adams County — cast ballots in the mock election on Tuesday. And they seem eager to cast ballots.

Of course those Gen X’ers aren’t the only apathetic group when it comes to voting — it’s a national curse.

And it’s an embarrassing reality in America.

We only hope that Gen X’ers, Baby Boomers and all those on either side of the generational divides will prove the students’ mock election an accurate indicator for our country by taking the time on Tuesday, Nov. 7, to vote in the general elections.

It’s a right, and a responsibility.

Besides, we need to set a good example for the next generation of voters. They’ve already done their part … it’s up to us to do ours.