It’s a refrain we’ll likely repeat several times before Election Day.

Every vote matters.

Don’t believe it? Check out Lisbon’s Charter Commission.

On Saturday, a mere 162 votes were cast out of about 6,500 registered voters for candidates seeking a seat on the commission.

For the last spot, H. Courtenay Fenn and Warren G. Greim tied with 101 votes. Now, there’s the prospect of a runoff or that someone will quit the race.

Two percent of the voters of Lisbon decided it was worthwhile to vote on the membership for the Charter Commission. That’s a pitiful turnout for a panel that can make important decisions about local governance.

Saturday elections in the middle of summer are always trouble. The competition between a town vote and a picnic, a boat ride or a fishing trip is a tough contest for civic virtue to win.

But the obligation to participate remains, and every vote matters. Just ask Fenn and Greim.