ATTLEBORO - Forty three teenagers have joined the rolls of Attleboro's registered voters, thanks to the students at Attleboro High School.

The students in Donna Shirman's Senior Project class conducted a voter registration drive at the school Tuesday, resulting in the new registrations.

There were only 181 students at the high school old enough to be eligible.

Senior Alisha Servant said the class was pleased that so many students were willing to take time out to register.

Shirman, the teacher, said her students will also hold a democracy fair Oct. 25 to display information about all the candidates and ballot questions. The fair is open to the public as well as students, she said. A mock election will also be held at the school and rides to the polls will be offered to student voters.

Shirman said she is trying to teach her students that a lot of important decisions get made at the state and local level, so all elections are important.

Too often, she said, people only focus on presidential elections.

The message seems to be getting through.

Senior Leanne O'Regan said this year's gubernatorial race will make history because it will result in either the first African-American governor in Massachusetts history or the first elected woman governor for the state.

She said she has been surprised to learn how apathetic students are toward politics.

Troy Pepicelli, another student involved in the project, said the class is emphasizing how important it is not only to vote, but to make an informed decision on who to vote for.

Students who registered expressed a range of motivations for getting involved.

Senior Brittani Baroni said she disagrees with those who want to give cheaper, in-state tuition at state colleges to the children of illegal immigrants.

Junior Mareza Coggeshall said she is opposed to ballot Question 1, which would allow grocery stores to sell wine. She said it could lead to more teenage drinking and driving.

Kelly Viers said she would like to see a woman elected governor.

But, most expressed more philosophical reasons for wanting to vote.

"I think it is important for people to have a say in the future of their government," senior Brett Currier said.