BOSTON -- It happened in Iowa, and again in New Hampshire. Record numbers of registered voters participated in the democratic process that will lead to the election of our next president. Young people and first-time voters, along with Independents, and party-faithful Republicans and Democrats, have shaken up the formula for choosing a candidate.

For the first time in a long while the electorate is exhibiting extraordinary excitement and passion about primary season. Your responsibility to actively participate in this country's presidential primary process should not be taken for granted.

Sure, the seemingly endless schedule of primaries to pick party nominees can seem cumbersome and confusing and perhaps needs improvement. But it is a democratic process and deserves our respect, particularly in light of disorganized and deadly struggles to establish, free, fair and open elections in countries such as Pakistan, Iraq and Kenya.

The Massachusetts Primary on Super Tuesday is just around the corner on Feb. 5. To participate in the Bay State primary, make sure you are registered to vote by this coming Wednesday, Jan. 16. And if you are not in Massachusetts on Feb. 5 -- obtain an absentee ballot.

The race is still wide open. Don't sit on the sidelines. Celebrate our individual power to freely choose our next president.