Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party is rolling out a youth volunteer team to help its candidates in the run-up to the 2026 local elections, a sign the party is leaning on young supporters to shore up its ground game.

• The DPP held a launch event for a youth volunteer campaign group, framed around getting young people to back its candidates.
• The push comes ahead of Taiwan's local elections, where the party has struggled in past mid-term votes.
• Youth turnout has been a swing factor in recent Taiwanese elections, so both major parties are competing hard for it.
• Local races also serve as a read on public mood toward the DPP's China policy and domestic record.

Outlook: Expect both the DPP and the opposition KMT to intensify youth outreach as the local election campaign season ramps up.