A Middle School Civics Lesson

The right to vote is a pretty basic governing principle in our society.

That's why Tammy Hunt Larkin became concerned when her daughter, a student at and a candidate for student council office, came home from school Tuesday saying she was told she could not vote in student elections.

Larkin took to her Facebook page to express concern about her daughter's situation. She posted that an adviser told students they weren't allowed to vote. She wrote that student candidates were told they couldn't vote because it was understood they would "just vote for themselves."

Allen Zink, principal at the middle school, said Thursday morning that he was not aware of the Internet posting until a reporter informed him. He said all students would be given an opportunity to vote.

"I was disappointed this was put on Facebook," Zink said.

The principal said that students in the student council homeroom, which includes some candidates, were involved in helping deliver ballots to other homerooms Tuesday. Zink said students did not have time to vote the same day.

"All students did get a chance to vote today," Zink said.

Larkin had not spoken to Zink prior to posting on the social networking site, or before both she and the principal were contacted by a reporter. She did meet with Zink Thursday morning and said the situation had been resolved.

She stood by her daughter's account but declined to comment further on the meeting saying she was concerned about repercussions at school.

"It's really about the fact that this is kids first experience with government and politics and campaigning," Larkin said. "They should learn that everyone gets the opportunity to vote."

"It's certainly an interesting lesson in civics and hopefully there's a positive lesson in all of this," Larkin said.

Final election results are expected on Friday.

Keep up with what's happening in Baltimore County politics by following Bryan P. Sears on Twitter and Facebook.