Ohioans today finally have the opportunity to cast their vote in the most eventful presidential primary in recent years.

A number of BHS students will be able to vote for the first time, including those who are turning 18 between today and the November election. These young voters were nearly disenfranchised earlier this month, when Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted announced that they could not vote in today’s primary election.

Husted’s decision was challenged last week in a court case filed by Bernie Sanders’ campaign and a group of Ohio students, and was overturned last Friday when a judge ruled against Husted, allowing 17-year-olds to vote.

Last week, The Beachcomber conducted a poll in social studies classes. We asked 181 students which candidate they supported, why they supported this chosen candidate and what issues are most important to them.

Of the 181 students who took part in the survey, the candidate who came out on top was Sanders, with 95 votes. This is a huge lead, considering the candidate in second was Hillary Clinton, with only 17 votes.

It is important to note how the response at BHS differs from Ohio predictions as a whole, which puts Clinton ahead of Sanders.

Many of the issues important to Sanders and Clinton supporters, however, were very similar. Many students who chose these two candidates wrote that immigration, LGBT rights, removing the prohibition on marijuana and the environment are very important issues to them.

However, many Sanders supporters noted that they chose a candidate who is genuine and honest, something Hillary supporters did not include in their surveys. Additionally, Sanders supporters wrote that they are passionate about human rights issues, college costs and an appreciation that Sanders is not associated with Wall Street. Many Sanders supporters also stressed inequality as a main concern.

“Bernie is the only candidate who understands how crucial the wage gap is, and he’s planning on doing something about it,” one Sanders supporter wrote. “Also, we need to help the poorer people out by making sure the top 1% doesn’t have as much money and control.”

In contrast, many Hillary supporters agree with Sanders’ viewpoints, but believe Hillary is a more realistic and electable candidate. Additionally, some noted that they support Hillary because of her gender.

“I think it’s about time we have a female president,” one supporter wrote. “We are in a modern era.”

The Republicans received significantly fewer votes than the Democrats in this BHS survey. In the lead is Marco Rubio, whom 15 students selected because he is the “least terrible of all the candidates.” Supporters cited his personal qualities. One supporter admires that he is “young, electable, charismatic and has the necessary qualifications to be president.”

Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel, a BHS alum, is an ardent Rubio supporter.

Others genuinely like Kasich, who came in with 14 votes.  A common theme for BHS Kasich supporters is that he is experienced, moderate and grounded.

Donald Trump received 12 votes. Many of the students who selected Trump believe he will bring much-needed change in American government by eradicating the need for political correctness.

Additionally, supporters are excited about the fact that Trump is a businessman rather than a politician.

“Trump has a different flavor,” one supporter wrote. “He’s made a multi-billion dollar brand and is not afraid to speak his mind.”

Ted Cruz only had one vote, and this person wrote, “He has good ideas, and I feel like he is a good person and will follow through with his statements.”

Of the 27 students who did not select one specific candidate, 10 wrote they did not support any of the candidates, seven wrote that they were unsure, four wrote that they would support anyone but Trump.  Others were torn between two or more candidates.

Over all, these undecided surveys exhibited that a handful of BHS students felt they could not select just one candidate, many were disappointed in all of the candidates and a handful would be happy with the results as long as Donald Trump does not come out on top.

Lastly, the most common trend evident from the surveys is how many BHS students are concerned about the United States’ relationship with Israel. Regardless of political party, at least one supporter of each candidate included that an important issue to them is Israel.