The Americans during the War of Independence (against Britain, that one) had a catchy slogan: No Taxation without Representation (in parliament). And as a principle, it seems fair enough. But it’s not half so catchy as the contrary: No Representation without Taxation. And this is, in a nutshell why it’s such a rubbish idea to extend the franchise to 16 year olds: far too few of them pay tax.
When they do, it’s wonderful how their mindset changes: my daughter, at 17, was outraged when she found out she’d be charged tax on her earnings in a second-hand clothes shop: “I do not want to pay tax” was her considered view. But given that most 16 year olds are still at school, I’d say not many have a very great stake in the economy.
