Paul O’Malley will learn today how successful his voter education efforts have been.

O’Malley and a handful of other city residents — including other former elected officials — have led what they call a grass-roots effort to combat voter apathy by educating Natchez residents about the election process.

And encouraging them to vote.

Today, as the Democratic and Republican parties host primaries, those efforts will be put to the test.

Hotly contested races for mayor and city clerk, along with their aldermen races, should spur voters to come to the polls.

More important, the desire to have a voice in the future of Natchez’s government should drive even more voters to the polls.

With so many critical issues facing Natchez today — from the creation of real, good-paying jobs to the improvement of the quality of life for all our citizens — it is critical that each of our city’s voters take an interest in its future.

Voting is one of the most basic responsibilities of citizens in a democracy, and the casting of ballots is our way voicing our opinions — by either reelecting incumbents who have been successful or electing leaders with new ideas, new enthusiasm and a new approach.

And it is, after all, a privilege that we have fought long and hard to preserve in America.

So go to the polls today and vote — between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. — for yourself, for your city and for a better future for all of us.