Local election registration has begun in Chiayi County, and the first day drew a modest but telling set of candidates as parties stake out their ground.

• Two people signed up to run for township mayor on day one, both from the DPP.
• Sitting county councilor Liu Ya-wen is switching lanes to run for mayor of Xikou Township.
• Current Xingang Township mayor Yeh Meng-lung registered to seek another term.
• Eight people filed to run for county council, mostly DPP incumbents plus independents and one KMT incumbent.
• One current township mayor is moving the other direction, giving up the post to run for council.

Outlook: More candidates are expected to file as the registration window stays open, with the DPP so far showing the strongest early presence in Chiayi County.