Taiwan goes to polls in closely watched local vote ahead of presidential election

China issue sidelined in local votes that will shed light on the major parties' fortunes ahead of the 2024 presidential election

Voters headed to the polls across Taiwan on Saturday in a closely watched local election that will determine the strength of the major political parties ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

Taiwanese citizens are picking their mayors, city council members and other local leaders in all 13 counties and the six major cities. There's also a referendum to lower the voting age from 20 to 18.