Perhaps it's because of the tight race between George W. Bush and John McCain for the Republican nomination.

Maybe it's because the five remaining presidential primary candidates' messages are hitting home with people.

Or maybe Bill Clinton's shenanigans in the White House have been the energizer.

Maybe it's none of the above.

Whatever the reason, Americans are voting in primaries in record -- some might even say overwhelming -- numbers this year.

Isn't it great?

It's sure refreshing considering the way our numbers have sagged at the polls over the past few years.

We still were quick to whine about our leaders, but weren't willing to walk the talk on election day.

But that's changed in this new millennium.

Big numbers in New Hampshire. Big numbers in South Carolina. Big numbers in Michigan.

And perhaps best of all, big numbers of voters participating in the process for the first time.

The country can only benefit from this kind of turnout. It gives "we the people of the United States of America" a big stick to wield over our representatives in Washington or at our statehouses.

Let's hope the trend continues, through the West Virginia primary on May 9, through the rest of primary season, through the general election -- through all the election years that follow.

Our system never has been completely broken. But due to neglect, the wheels may have been getting a little wobbly, the parts a little rusty.

Seize the moment.

Turn the United States of America back into a well-oiled machine for all the generations that follow.

Participate in the process: Get out and vote!

Today's editorial reflects the opinion of the Exponent editorial board, which is comprised of James G. Logue, Kevin S. Courtney, Patrick M. Martin, Matt Harvey and J. Cecil Jarvis.