There is still time. Saturday marks the deadline for Henrico's ZIP code vote. Although the issue has set tongues wagging, the survey does not carry the significance of the contest between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, or, for that matter, a pennant race in the National League.

The question is simple. Do residents in 11 ZIP codes want to change their mailing address from Richmond to Henrico? The Op/Ed page in Sunday's Commentary section featured a pro-con exchange in which Virgil Hazelett, Henrico's county manager, argued in behalf of the change, while Tayloe Negus, a local businessman, argued against it. Hazelett emphasized the more practical side, Negus the more symbolic.

Henrico says it loses about $5 million in tax revenue every year because certain taxes paid by companies that do business in Henrico but whose ZIP codes say "Richmond" go not to the county but to the city. The name change presumably would ensure that the money would stay in the county -- as it should. Although the Postal Service technically is conducting the process, the so-called vote is occurring because Henrico authorities favor the switch.

Here's what apparently happens: Business offices, perhaps located in other states, remit taxes for their Central Virginia stores to the commonwealth's collection apparatus. The mailing address for the specific site might say Richmond, so the tax dollars are indicated as having been collected there -- and never mind that the store might lie in Henrico. Corporate accountants might not know the difference.

Critics counter that the change would undermine regional unity and strike at the area's identity. They make a strong point. Some also say the city's greater needs translate into a valid claim to the taxes. That assertion simply does not wash. It may be that funding formulas regarding local government in Virginia should be amended, but money received as a result of confused geography is unjustly received.

Henrico and Richmond may not be the only jurisdictions affected by shared ZIP codes. A similar situation apparently exists with ZIP codes applying to Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania. Chesterfield may be eyeing the Henrico vote. And what about Charlottesville and Albemarle? And the Roanoke area?

Although the address change presumably would clarify the source of the taxes in question, the state -- with local input -- ought to resolve the complaint. The ZIP codes may create a glitch; the crucial process involves Virginia's collection and distribution of taxes.

We do not for one minute believe the proposal implies Henrico's withdrawal from the region. The symbolism cannot be ignored, however. Over time the change could erode broader sensibilities. But there's a catch. Even if respondents endorsed the change, Richmond would remain a "secondary" address (as would Highland Springs). Those who wanted to keep Richmond on their stationery and business cards could. The ZIP code, not the place name, plays the primary role in the sorting of mail.

We would vote No because we believe (1) this is a problem for the state to resolve, and (2) in subtle ways the change would weaken regional identity. We do not equate the debate with Armageddon, either. The counties have ancient roots. Yet without Richmond they would not be what they are and what they want to become. The city prefers to keep the tie, as its ads against the change suggest. Identity and cooperation ultimately do not depend on numbers. Regardless of the outcome, Richmond long will remain the common denominator.