Ask Jimmy Wilkinson if voter apathy is a problem. Wilkinson lost his bid to unseat incumbent Concordia Parish Police Juror Melvin Ferrington by exactly one vote.

A single person who said, “I don’t have time to vote” or “My vote doesn’t matter” could have changed the election.

Voter apathy is a huge problem in our country. Each election year, millions of registered voters in just don’t bother.

Such excuses occur often, but their impact is rarely as clear as in Wilkinson’s almost textbook example of why every vote matters.

Voter apathy is disappointing.

Think of precious lives lost through the years as American soldiers fought first to have the right to vote for their own representatives and later to protect that right.

Given their great sacrifices, making a minor effort every few years to vote seems the absolute least we can do to say “thanks” for their sacrifice.

Many of us are quick to complain when the government makes a mess of things — which it seems to do often. But not bothering to vote should revoke the person’s right to complain.

When people who should know better don’t show up to the polls, we begin electing the candidates who are either merely popular or just good at drumming up voters. That’s often not the best, most qualified person for the job.

Votes matter.

They matter to candidates, but they also matter to the community as a whole. Successful communities have good, solid leaders in key roles.

Next Tuesday, voters in the City of Natchez have a chance to make a difference in their community and vote. If you don’t think it’s important, talk with Jimmy Wilkinson. He’ll confirm it — every single vote matters.