Democratic contest energized voters

There's no doubt that the historic presidential campaigns of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton energized the electorate like few campaigns ever have. And the Democratic senators' unprecedented success in transcending race and gender led to a welcome increase in the number of registered voters, particularly among minorities. ...

The increase in minority voter registration gives voice to people who haven’t always been represented at the table. Anything that inspires citizens to participate in the political process is beneficial. ...

The 2008 election could swing on the turnout of new voters. The more citizens exercise the privilege, the stronger our democracy will be.

The above editorial excerpt is from The News-Press, Fort Myers, Fla.