Suns help teach children the importance of registering to vote (PHOTOS)

The next federal elections are over a year away, but the political cycle is already heating up. And as the importance of voting becomes clearer and clearer, the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury are getting the word out to young people that registering to vote is an important civic duty.

Officials from both Arizona professional basketball teams joined Arizona's secretary of state Michele Reagan at Chandler's Hamilton High School. Secretary Reagan and members of the Suns and Mercury talked to students about the voting process, the different types of elections, and voter rights at the polling place.

Students then got a chance to fill out mock ballots and participate in a mock election to simulate the process from start to finish.

It's a nice way to tip off back-to-school season. The things students learn in a classroom aren't the only lessons they'll need going forward.