Fewer than one in five eligible voters in some parts of England previously chose anyone to represent them in local elections, raising fears of a democratic deficit.BBC News analysis of voting patterns in 2,500 council wards since 2012 shows wide disparities.
Most of the areas where the fewest people voted in recent elections are in the North.
The Electoral Reform Society said it was vital people turned out to vote.
Campaigners are concerned there will be a low turnout again on Thursday 5 May if voters continue to see local authority elections as “less important” than a General Election.
