Democratic caucuses tonight and Republican caucuses on Saturday will give voters across the state an unusual opportunity to have a real voice in the selection of their presidential nominees.

We hope the caucuses are both well attended and well run. They will be a new experience for most participants who will get a real taste of hands-on democracy.

Three separate Democratic caucuses will be held here tonight. Democrats in state Sen. Roger Pine’s district will meet in the National Guard Armory, 200 Iowa. Those represented by state Sen. Marci Francisco will be split into two groups depending on whether they are in U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda’s district (which meets at Abe & Jake’s Landing, 8 E. Sixth St.) or U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore’s (which meets at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds, 19th and Harper streets). Democrats who have questions about their meeting location or how a caucus works can get information at www.ksdp.org/supertuesday. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and participants must arrive by 7 p.m.

Douglas County Republicans will caucus at 10 a.m. Saturday at South Junior High School, 2734 La.

It’s been heartening to hear many conversations locally and across the state about the hotly contested nomination races. Many people are standing up and actively declaring their support for individual candidates and even canvassing or making calls on their behalf.

The passions being stirred by this presidential race defy grim observations in recent years of Americans being disillusioned with the political process or unwilling to get involved in political campaigns.

It’s especially gratifying to see many young people forming opinions and participating in the current political races. On college campuses across the country, thousands of people are showing up at political rallies. Their new level of political awareness bodes well for turnout of young voters next November.

Concerns have been expressed about how early the Democratic and Republicans presidential fields are being narrowed. Today’s Super Tuesday primaries and caucuses are likely to narrow both fields to two contenders, or even one. There are strong arguments that the field is being narrowed too quickly and certainly that American presidential campaigns are too long.

The good news, however, is that such a large segment of our population is discussing national issues and assessing candidate stands and qualifications. It is hoped their interest in this race will result in a lively and fact-based discussion of important issues currently facing the United States and high participation in the election next November.