Cyndi Loza

Barack Obama was voted president Thursday, five days before the general election.

Desert Heights Elementary School held a mock election on Thursday for students and parents. It was a landslide victory for the Illinois senator, who won with 533 votes. His opponent, U.S. Sen. John McCain, generated 209 votes.

Sixth-grader Mirella Maya said she was glad she had a chance to vote for Obama even though she’s 11 years-old.

“I think he will help the people that need it the most,” Maya said.

Fourth-grader Kenzie Ahrens, 9, said voted for McCain because the country needs a new leader.

“I heard a song about him on the Nicktoons Network,” Ahrens said. “He seems like a nice guy.”