Meanwhile, Mr Hou, the KMT candidate, arrived at Banqiao Elementary School in New Taipei’s Banqiao district at around 10am.
Asked by the media what his lucky charms were, he pointed to his hand and said they were the contact he has had with supporters during his campaign.
The previous night, his daughter bought fried chicken for him and they chatted till 1am, he said.
“I’m feeling upbeat with the sunny weather we have today, seeing Taiwanese passionate about the polls. They’ve come out early in the morning to vote. It’s a clear example of our democracy,” Mr Hou told reporters.
Some voters who were at the school told CNA that they were more concerned about domestic affairs, such as fighting corruption and implementing energy policies, in deciding their votes.
“Of course (it) is to try to be as peaceful as possible, because we do not wish for war as much as possible. Yes, it is quite important for us who live here,” said one middle-aged voter.
At the Fahua Temple in downtown Taipei, the prayer hall was transformed into a polling station with ballot booths set up in front of statues of Buddha.
Ms Hsien Chao-rong, 56, was one of the earliest voters there. She said her hope for Taiwan after this election was for everyone to be able to live peacefully and enjoy financial stability.
“Everyone has one precious vote and they should use it. No matter who you support, if each person goes to cast their vote, then it’s fair,” she told CNA.
At another temple in the bustling Wanhua district, a jewellery seller who only wanted to be known as Ms Shi, 65, said she was voting against corruption in government.
“We need a change of environment,” she said.