Tasmanian councils may be given the choice to make voting compulsory in their municipality under sweeping local government changes.

But there is concern it will be too confusing and may result in voting being compulsory in one street but not the next.

The State Government plans to legislate for the changes by mid-year.

The Deputy Premier, Bryan Green, says it is about encouraging community participation.

"The vote in local government elections has stagnated around 55 per cent, we want to see that lifted," he said.

The Local Government Association's Barry Easther says having an opt-in system will create voter confusion

"It should either be all in or all out."

The Hobart Lord Mayor Damon Thomas disagrees.

"That's accusing the electorate of not having sense," he said.

Alderman Thomas is confident his council will choose compulsory voting for its municipality and will not be alone.

"I confidently believe a number of councils will join in to compulsory voting because it is sensible for the citizenry to have a vote and to exercise it, people fought for it, people died for it."

Other changes include four-year set terms for mayors and banning councillors from running for State or Federal Government.