Adams County voters run the risk of making a big mistake on Tuesday.

For the second time this month, voters will head to the polls to select the man who will fill the unexpired term of the late Adams County Sheriff Ronny Brown.

Tuesday’s election will be a runoff between Ray Brown and Charles “Chuck” Mayfield.

Both men appear to be good men, both dedicated to public safety in this community.

Voters have a tough choice to make. Both men are well known and both likable.

Despite the method that we use to elect sheriffs, the election process should be less about their personal popularity and more like a job hiring process.

Voters represent the employer, in this case Adams County. And like a good employer, voters should look carefully at the records, work histories and personal accomplishments.

If voters truly look at the two men objectively, Mayfield will stand out as having more capabilities and a better, broader track record of personal crime-fighting experience. And, most important, he has experience leading others.

We hope voters choose to vote for Mayfield.

However, the only real mistake voters can make is in becoming complacent or apathetic and simply not voting at all.

Choosing not to cast an educated vote is the biggest mistake our community can make on Tuesday.

We hope all registered voters head to the polls and vote their hearts, but most important, we just hope they show up and vote.