In 1996, volunteers launched a small pilot project in Kalihi to get students — and their parents — interested in voting.

A decade later, some 100,000 kids statewide are involved in Kids Voting Hawai'i and organizers say the program has helped foster civic involvement and respect for the elections process among students as young as 5.

At a rally yesterday at Farrington High School to celebrate the program, students who have been participating in Kids Voting since they were in elementary school applauded the project and pledged to become official voters as soon as they're old enough.

"Kids do have a say," said Vanessa Arquero, a junior at Farrington High School. "It's our chances for our voices to be heard."

Kids participating in the program may vote online starting Oct. 24. They may also cast a ballot on Nov. 7 at polling places statewide. The results of the mock election will be posted at about 6 p.m. on the Kids Voting Web site (www.kidsvoting hawaii.org) on Election Day.

More than 430 public and private schools statewide participate in Kids Voting.

At yesterday's gathering, Mayor Mufi Hannemann told students that participating in the mock voting leaves their parents and relatives with no excuse not to vote. "It's a good habit you want to keep with you throughout your life," Hannemann said. "Tell Mom and Dad: 'If I can do it, so can you.'"

City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle and "American Idol" finalist Camile Velasco also spoke at the event, getting the crowd hyped up over voting.

Kids Voting Hawai'i is a non-profit organization and is attached to the national Kids Voting initiative. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade are eligible to vote, as long as their schools are signed up with the project.

This year, students will vote for real candidates according to their precincts and charter amendments. The program also distributes curricula to schools.

There are no statistics to show whether the program is working to get more young people and their parents involved in elections, but Kids Voting chairwoman Linda Coble said she's heard plenty of anecdotal evidence to support the mission.

"This is a reminder to the kids that their voices do count," Coble said. "They're using the same ballot their mom or dad use."

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.