The ideas are the first to be put forward using the Sustainable Communities Act - a new law that allows councils to ask government for specific changes to national policy, to make life better in local areas.
Essex County Council wants the government to amend the definition of young people not in employment, education or training (Neet). The council believes that young people should not be classified as Neet if they are participating in local authority youth initiatives, such as a formal volunteering programme.
Waltham Forest has asked for the power to have its own local voting age, so that young people could vote and stand at local elections.
Lewes District Council in Sussex thinks pupils should be taught about government structures and local democracy as part of the national curriculum, to encourage more young people to get involved in local issues.
The LGA will now review all of the proposals, before selecting which should be put forward to government.
Keith Mitchell, chairman of the LGA panel charged with selecting successful proposals, said the large number of submissions show councils' willingness to make life better for local residents.
He said: "The proposals which have been submitted are practical responses to specific local conditions, plans which councils are uniquely placed to generate and act upon."
The list of proposals is available on the LGA's website.
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