A Parliamentary select committee has been urged to introduce electronic voting and fund a national campaign to boost flagging voter turnout.
The Society of Local Government Managers told MPs that voter turnout in last year's local body elections fell to its lowest ever average - 47 percent.
Chief executive Karen Thomas said electronic voting may just be the catalyst to re-engage younger voters.
She said it would also reduce the barrier to those who are sight-impaired or overseas during the election period.
Ms Thomas also called on the Government to help fund a nationwide campaign encouraging people to vote in local elections, as well as national ones.