Daniel, Congratulations on reaching voting age and bigger congratulations on actually planning to vote! The sad fact is that our current system manages to dissuade more than half of eligible voters from ever voting! It's shameful to me that people don't excercise that right, but in our country and system, that is their privelige too. And remember, all politics are local!
As you make your way to all the polls in your future keep in mind that our system does it's best when average people debate, and debate strongly, the issues of the day. Our "leaders" will pay more attention when the people are loud, active and involved. The issues may be war, as now - or something else that draws out strong opinions. And sadly sometimes it brings out personal attacks that add nothing to the debate - being passionate (or dishonest) about something can cause that. A great leader, debater or politician will avoid that, if they want...
In my humble opinion, all we can do as good citizens is try our best to stay informed and then speak our minds. That may be only in the voting booth, an opinion page, or an election campaign - but follow your conscience! I promise it won't let you down.
The part that takes work, more work than many of us are willing to do, is the part about staying informed. With the internet available to practically all Americans, there is no reason, and very little cost,to only listen to or read one source. Check out the "other" side. Whether you are Republican or Democrat, left or right, check out what the other side is saying. Read some foreign news services - get a feel for the newspapers and columnists that lean right or left and read both! Become a student of history - there really is nothing new under the sun, and that old saying about those who don't know their history are bound to repeat it is true! Make your own decisions and don't be afraid or ashamed to change your mind when you get information that warrants a change of mind!
If you have the chance to travel - do it! You will learn more about yourself and your hometown by travelling to other places and seeing with your own eyes what they are like! No middle man news anchor telling you what someplace or some people are like, but you doing and seeing them first hand!
We live in a truly great country that bestows on us great privelage. But with that comes great responsibility. Some people seem to think we can have our Democracy and avoid messy arguments between honest patriotic people. I don't think we can, in fact, I believe that is a sign that our Democracy is working!

Best regards,
Thomas Finnegan