The Democratic Progressive Party's election campaign in Chiayi County has entered the vote-canvassing stage — a prime opportunity for mobilisation as far as local candidates are concerned, and a sign for voters that the next three months will be livelier.

• Tsai Yi-yu, the DPP's candidate for Chiayi County magistrate, and Wang Ju-ching, its candidate for Puzi mayor, braved the rain on Ghost Festival to canvass for votes at Puzi's traditional market.
• Ghost Festival offerings drew crowds to the market early in the morning to buy sacrificial goods, making it an ideal setting for the candidates to meet voters.
• The deputy speaker, the farmers' association secretary-general, several city representatives and borough chiefs accompanied them, presenting a united front of consolidated local factions.
• The two focused on the traditional campaign approach of "shaking hands face to face," pitching an appeal to boost the local economy.

Outlook: With just over ninety days until the year-end vote, grassroots mobilisation in Chiayi will only grow more intense, and markets, temple fairs and festival occasions will be the main battlegrounds for both sides.