Kansans have an almost unprecedented opportunity this year to participate in the nomination of the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates.

Much is at stake in the upcoming presidential election, and the nomination races will be far from settled when both parties hold their Kansas caucuses, the Democrats on Feb. 5 and the Republicans on Feb. 9. It is hoped there will be a large representation at the caucuses both in Lawrence and across the state. Specific information on local caucus locations and starting times was provided in the Jan. 18 Journal-World.

Although the caucus format has been used in the state many times before, most Kansas voters have not bothered to participate because the caucuses were held after nominations were all but decided. Clearly, the situation this year is different. The nominations in both parties are being hotly contested. The Democratic field is likely to be a two-person race but still far from decided by the time the Kansas caucuses roll around, and the Republican choice is even more wide open.

It’s probably fair to say that more Kansans are paying attention to the nomination process than in many years. In some ways, it’s unfortunate that the Kansas Legislature eliminated funding last year for a statewide presidential primary. Although a presidential primary was held in 1980 and again in 1992, primary elections were canceled in 1996, 2000 and 2004 because the fields were so uncompetitive that it didn’t seem worth the state expense to hold the vote.

That now seems like a poor decision. The 1992 presidential primary drew more than 373,000 ballots and this year’s competitive races likely would draw far more voters. Caucuses in 2004 drew just 2,100 participants statewide. It would be a shame if the current nomination race fails to bring out at least 10 or 20 times that number.

Most Kansans have never participated in a caucus, but no prior experience is necessary. All you need to do is show up; the party organizers will take it from there. It may take a little time, but what an excellent opportunity to be part of a process that most Kansas voters haven’t experienced before.

The 2008 presidential race is by far the most active, interesting and talked-about nomination contest for many years. There’s never been a better time to get involved in the process. Let’s make the Kansas caucuses count.