Wes: I prefer to do the driving. I like setting my own course and following it through ’til the end. If I don’t like where I’m going, I can turn the wheel and find a new road.

Though we’ve written about exceptions in past columns, most teens still equate being in the driver’s seat with taking charge of one’s life. I started driving at 13, and I’ve never gotten over turning a key and striking out on my own. Though my Garmin now does most of the navigation, I still tell it where to go. I am in charge of my ultimate destination.

Exercising the right to vote is no different. Given their yearning for the freedom of an open road, I’ll never understand why most teens and young adults don’t vote because they “aren’t into politics.” Young people aren’t just new voters; they’re the voters that count the most–or they should be. On Nov. 4, we’ll be setting the course of their future. Anyone 18 and up who isn’t registered has decided to hand over the keys to a bunch of old folks like me, who may not be around to see the results of our choices. Young people will be.

Recently in the Scottish referendum, 16-year-olds turned out in droves and two-thirds selected unity. Don’t tell those kids that their votes don’t count or that politics doesn’t matter. The same is true closer to home, particularly given the tight races we’re facing in Kansas. Young voters could very easily sway those races, if they turn out.

So here’s my messages for teens: If you don’t vote, you’re letting somebody else drive your car. And given the astounding differences between how the over-30 and under-30 crowd polls right now, you might not like the course we set for you.

Kyra: People around the world still risk their lives for a chance to cast a ballot. And yet, according to Eva Guidarini of the Harvard Institute of Politics, only 23 percent of U.S. voters under age 30 are expected to show up to the polls this year. And when it comes to midterm elections, far fewer people register or vote, yet those elected during the midterm have just as much power as their colleagues voted-in during other election years.

“Midterm” isn’t a code word for “no big deal.” This November, the Kansas governor, secretary of state, attorney general and insurance commissioner positions are all on the ballot, as well as Kansas and U.S. House and Senate seats. These elections are arguably more important than the non-midterm years. Even for those of us not yet 18 — I won’t be until December–elected officials heavily impact our future. If you ever plan on having health insurance, holding a job or even just living in this country, this election and every other one affects you.

By the way, being uninformed isn’t an acceptable excuse for staying home on Election Day. Teens and young adults live in a world of information. With a couple quick taps of a thumb, the entire profile of a political candidate, his or her platform, family life and scandals appear on your smartphone. Becoming politically aware has never been more easier to do or more important.

The right to vote is a privilege, and one for which many a battle has been fought and many a life lost. Don’t take that for granted and don’t just assume other people are going to show up and do your job for you. All votes carry the same weight. Young voters count exactly as much as everyone else–if they actually go out and cast their ballot.

On the Air: Join Dr. Wes, Katie Guyot, and Kenneth Palmer, this morning (Tuesday, Oc. 21) at 11 a.m. on Up to Date with Steve Kraske to talk about young voters, what they’re interested in, and why they should be the LEAST apathetic voters of all.

Wes Crenshaw, Ph.D., ABPP, is author of “I Always Want to Be Where I’m Not: Successful Living with ADD & ADHD.” Learn about his writing and practice at dr-wes.com. Kyra Haas is a Free State High School senior who blogs at justfreakinghaasome.wordpress.com. Send your confidential 200-word question to ask@dr-wes.com. Double Take opinions and advice are not a substitute for psychological services.