The threshold to initiate referendum questions had previously been lowered to valid signatures of 1.5 percent of eligible voters in a set of amendments passed in June 2017.

[17] The questions range from No.17–20, including the issues of nuclear plant activation, a ban on ractopamine-containing pork imports, an algae reef and LNG receiving station, and referendums being held at the same time as nationwide elections.

Critics argued that ractopamine is an additive illegal in 160 countries due to food safety concerns and that its import could damage local producers.

[17] The Democratic Progressive Party cited logistical issues during the ten-question 2018 referendum, held concurrently with local elections, in opposition to this proposal.

It is argued as necessary by the government as part of its fossil fuel phase-out plan but heavily criticized by environmental activists due to potential damage to the reef and its eco-system.

[29][30] The ballot read: "Do you agree to relocate the construction site of CPC Third LNG Receiving Terminal away from the coastal and sea areas of Taoyuan's Datan Algae Reef?

[39] An article from The Wall Street Journal says that the result is welcoming to the Biden administration, which has pursued closer ties to Taiwan, saying that the vote on the pork imports could have complicated the Taiwanese relationship with Washington.

[41] Another article from NHK reports that the election was originally positioned by the opposing Kuomintang party as a non-confidence vote against the ruling government.

Nuclear advocate Huang Shih-hsiu said that he regretted the results, and accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of taking advantage of its administrative resources to manipulate the vote.