Before the Democratic and Republican caucuses were held, some questioned whether a primary might be better than a caucus to gauge which presidential candidates voters truly prefer. As leaders in both parties eventually consider formats for the 2012 elections, the question is still pertinent.

Both parties set attendance records this year, with the Democrats almost tripling the record turnout in 2004. The enthusiasm for the process and the candidates should be a source of pride for both parties.

The attendance figures suggest caucuses are the best way to gauge voters’ intentions, and certainly a town meeting-type atmosphere added to the excitement this year. Yet, fewer than 1-in-50 Republicans cast votes this year, based on November 2006 enrollment numbers.

The Democrats had approximately 1-in-7 vote Sunday, based on the same enrollment numbers. Those ratios temper the excitement, especially because two-thirds of Maine voters typically turn out for November presidential elections.

This election is the first in 80 years to feature a field of candidates who are not incumbents or vice presidents looking to extend their party’s fortunes. The field was exuberant and active, with “change” the operative word uttered by all.

In the case of the GOP, a change in the field of candidates running for the party’s nomination came shortly after state voters endorsed former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney over Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. Less than three days after Romney won 52 percent of more than 5,000 ballots cast in a “preferential survey” that did not award any delegates, he suspended his campaign.

The 18 delegates at stake may not have made Romney, McCain or candidates besides Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, visit the state, but knowing they might win a share or even all of the delegates might have prompted the types of visits made last week by the Democratic hopefuls and their families.

Visits from Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and the entire Clinton family put Maine near the center of the political universe for about 48 hours. The candidates were greeted by thousands of fervent supporters who then braved nasty weather Sunday to flock to town halls and churches to hear speeches and vote.

The long lines of voters amazed organizers throughout the day. It was a thrill to see the system work at its best, but the results are due at least in part to a Democratic race that was still competitive after Super Tuesday.

Will that excitement be there in 2012? A field of fresh candidates and the tight race between Clinton and Obama provided the sparks this year, and helped bring out the unenrolled voters who registered on caucus day.

A GOP vote that demonstrates preference with delegates at stake is a start. Trusting voters to educate themselves and cast a quick ballot could still make a primary the best way to build on this year’s record caucus attendance.

David Harry, editor