I wrote a jazz melody with some chords. Is it important to add the correct voicings of the backup chords?

Question

...relating to the lead melody or should everything be okay if I use the right chords in any voicing?

Answer 1

Everything will be "okay" with almost any voicing of the chords; changes in voicings won't cause any musical trainwrecks, or probably even change the overall feel of the piece. It is possible, however, that some of the nuances will be lost, particularly if you're using parts of the chords (intentionally or not) to suggest a specific harmony or counterpoint to the melody, as opposed to strictly occupying background space.