Published Apr 23, 2026 | 7:05 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 23, 2026 | 10:32 PM
The voting percentage stood at close to 85% at 7 pm.
Synopsis: Tamil Nadu joins Kerala, Puducherry and Assam in the wait for Assembly election results, and the polling ends in the state. Votes will be counted on 4 May, after the second phase of polling in West Bengal on 29 April.
Voting in all 234 Assembly constituencies concluded at 6 pm on Thursday, 23 April.
Initial estimates put the voter turnout at 84.65 percent, which is likely to change. The overall voter turnout in 2021 was 73.63 percent.
Voters were still waiting to cast their votes even as polling ended at 6 pm. Tokens were distributed to them, and all those with tokens will be allowed to vote.
Earlier in the morning, polling began at a brisk note despite the scorching sun across the state, with leaders of prominent parties arriving to cast their votes early.
Following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission of India late last year, 5,73,43,291 electors are enrolled to vote. This includes 2,80,30,658 men, 2,93,04,905 women, and 7,728 third gender electors.
The principal contenders are the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which includes over 20 parties and community organisations; the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance; Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by actor Vijay; and Naam Tamilar Katchi, led by Seeman.
Across the state, 75,064 polling stations have been set up at 33,133 locations with 1,06,408 EVMs, 75,064 control units and 75,064 VVPAT machines. Additionally, 20 percent of machines are kept as a reserve. There will be 63 counting centres and four control rooms established.
Votes will be counted on 4 May, along with those in West Bengal, Assam, Puducherry and Kerala. The results of exit polls could be announced only after the completion of polling in all states. The second phase of polling in West Bengal is on 29 April.
Polling officially ended at 6 pm. Voters in the queue at polling stations before the deadline will receive tokens and be allowed to cast their votes after 6 pm.
As of 5 pm, 4,71,60,321 of the 5.73 crore registered voters had cast their votes.
Turnout reached 82.24 percent by 5 pm, surpassing the overall voter turnout of 73.63 percent in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Voting is set to end at 6 pm. Voters in the queue at polling stations before the deadline will receive tokens and be allowed to cast their votes after 6 pm.
Actor Simran, after casting her vote, shared a message on X urging citizens to take the electoral process seriously.
“Let’s focus on the reality, avoid the drama, it’s a voting booth, not a cinema shoot. We all are one while we vote. Voting is not just my right, it’s my responsibility,” she said.
Actor Akshaya Hariharan on Friday alleged electoral malpractice after finding that a vote had already been cast in her name at a polling booth in Adyar.
In a video statement, she said that despite carrying valid identification documents, she was initially denied the chance to vote.
After objecting and arguing with officials for nearly an hour, she was allowed to cast a “tendered vote”, used when someone else has already voted in a person’s name.
As of 3 pm, voter turnout stood at 70 percent, up from 53.8 percent at the same time in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Communist Party of India State Secretary M Veerapandian cast his vote at a polling booth at the Corporation Middle School in Vyasarpadi.
Polling has been halted for nearly two and a half hours in Vellaikonpatti village in the Manapparai Assembly constituency of Tiruchirappalli.
According to reports, when villagers stood in line to cast their votes, security personnel accompanying the district Superintendent of Police, Selva Nagarathinam, allegedly assaulted people in the crowd without warning, leaving several injured.
As a result, only around 300 votes have been cast so far in the area, which has over 1,000 voters.
Angered by the alleged assault, residents have begun protesting and are boycotting the election.
Police and election officials are holding talks with the villagers. Protesters said they will not resume voting until those responsible are brought before them and action is taken against the officials involved.
During the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, voter turnout reached 56.81 percent as of 1 pm, up from 39.61 percent at the same time in 2021.
Two reasons are being cited for the increase.
First, the recent intensive special revision of the electoral rolls. Second, higher enthusiasm among a large section of young voters, many of whom are taking part in the voting process this time.
A Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) functionary was arrested on Friday for allegedly recording a video of the voting process inside a polling booth in Tirupattur and sharing it on social media, in violation of Election Commission norms.
Police from Kandili Police Station arrested a man identified as Sakthi Prabha from the Kunichi area. The video, showing voting on an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), was recorded using a mobile phone and uploaded as a reel on Instagram through an account named “Sakthi Prabha”.
It subsequently went viral across social media platforms.
The ECI had earlier issued clear instructions prohibiting the use of mobile phones and video recording inside polling stations.
TVK candidate Dr Tirupathi is contesting from the Tirupattur Assembly constituency.
As of 1 pm, voter turnout in key constituencies was as follows:
In Kolathur constituency of Chennai, the turnout was 56.59%.
In Perambur constituency, the turnout was 56.24%, while Tiruchirappalli East recorded 55.95%.
In Edappadi Assembly constituency, voter turnout stood at 60.98%.
In Karaikudi constituency, voter turnout stood at 51.36%
As of 1 pm, voter turnout stood at:
Ariyalur: 55.18%
Chengalpattu: 56.28%
Chennai: 54.58%
Coimbatore: 58.24%
Cuddalore: 55.13%
Dharmapuri: 59.02%
Dindugal: 59.79%
Erode: 61.79%
Kallakurichi: 57.15%
Kancheepuram: 58.98%
Kanniyakumari: 50.35%
Karur: 60.77%
Krishnagiri: 56.21%
Madurai: 54.75%
Mayiladuthurai: 53.59%
Nagapattinam: 57.07%
Namakkal: 62.51%
Parambalur: 57.55%
Pudukottai: 56.78%
Ramanathapuram: 51.54%
Ranipet: 58.62%
Salem: 61.42%
Sivaganga: 53.5%
Tenkasi: 54.24%
Thanjavur: 54.83%
The Nilgiris: 50.42%
Theni: 55.63%
Thiruvallur: 55.45%
Thiruvarur: 56%
Thoothukudi: 52.55%
Tiruchirappalli: 57.66%
Tirunelveli: 50.73%
Tirupathur: 57.42%
Tiruppur: 62.97%
Tiruvannamalai: 58.23%
Vellore: 57.49%
Villupuram: 58.23%
Virudhunagar: 57.27%
According to the Election Commission, Tamil Nadu has seen a voter turnout of 56.81% till 1 pm.
கன்னியாகுமரி மாவட்டம் பேச்சிப்பாறையில் படகில் சென்று வாக்களித்த மலைவாழ் மக்கள்.
தூரமும் தடையையும் தாண்டி, ஜனநாயகத்தின் மீது கொண்ட நம்பிக்கையை வாக்காக பதிவு செய்தனர். 🗳️ @ECISVEEP #TNElections2026 pic.twitter.com/a4tPGgXDwH
— Chief Electoral Officer Tamil Nadu (@TNelectionsCEO) April 23, 2026
DMK Deputy General Secretary and Member of Parliament Kanimozhi Karunanidhi cast her vote at a polling booth in Alwarpet.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam General Secretary N Anand cast his vote at a polling booth in Sholinganallur.
N Anand cast his vote
As of 11 am, voter turnout in key constituencies was as follows:
In the Kolathur constituency of Chennai, the turnout was 37.06%.
In the Perambur constituency, the turnout was 36.26%, while Tiruchirappalli East recorded 37.24%.
In Edappadi Assembly constituency, voter turnout stood at 39.94%.
In Karaikudi constituency, voter turnout stood at 33.80%
As of 11 am, voter turnout stood at:
Ariyalur: 36.11%
Chengalpattu: 37.17%
Chennai: 35.47%
Coimbatore: 38.62%
Cuddalore: 36.3%
Dharmapuri: 38.28%
Dindugal: 39.05%
Erode: 41%
Kallakurichi: 37.3%
Kancheepuram: 39.48%
Kanniyakumari: 34.68%
Karur: 39.7%
Krishnagiri: 36.53%
Madurai: 36.22%
Mayiladuthurai: 35.33%
Nagapattinam: 37.77%
Namakkal: 41.41%
Parambalur: 37.89%
Pudukottai: 37.12%
Ramanathapuram: 34.02%
Ranipet: 38.7%
Salem: 40.56%
Sivaganga: 35.35%
Tenkasi: 36.31%
Thanjavur: 36.54%
The Nilgiris: 32.62%
Theni: 37.35%
Thiruvallur: 36.71%
Thiruvarur: 37.19%
Thoothukudi: 35.16%
Tiruchirappalli: 38.08%
Tirunelveli: 34.05%
Tirupathur: 37.49%
Tiruppur: 42.45%
Tiruvannamalai: 38.25%
Vellore: 37.99%
Villupuram: 38.4%
Virudhunagar: 38.05%
According to ECI data, Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 37.56% at 11 am.
TVK Election Wing General Secretary and Villivakkam constituency candidate Aadhav Arjuna cast his vote.
Aadhav Arjuna cast his vote.
The DMK set up an election war room at its headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, in Chennais.
Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin visited the facility, which has been established to efficiently handle Assembly election-related coordination, address queries from party functionaries, and resolve issues on the ground.
Party members have been advised to contact the helpline number 08069446900 to seek clarifications, register complaints, or share feedback. During his visit, the Chief Minister enquired about the calls received and reviewed the functioning of the war room in Chennai.
On Poll Day for the General Elections to Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly 2026, Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer, Archana Patnaik, IAS, visited the State Control Room, State Call Centre, GPS Tracking Unit, and State Media Control Room to review polling day operations, with… pic.twitter.com/tn3Q9l4nDj
— Chief Electoral Officer Tamil Nadu (@TNelectionsCEO) April 23, 2026
Only one woman has cast her vote at the polling booth set up in the Perumpathu village in Nanguneri, Tirunelveli district, and a tense situation currently prevails there.
Residents had earlier announced that they would boycott the elections, alleging that the Tamil Nadu government had not taken appropriate action so far over the attack that took place in March.
A banner asking residents not to vote.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader and MP Thol Thirumavalavan exercised his democratic duty by casting his vote at the Panchayat Union Primary School in Anganur, Ariyalur district
Thol Thirumavalavan casts his vote
As of 9 am, voter turnout in key constituencies was as follows:
In the Kolathur constituency of Chennai, where Chief Minister and DMK President M. K. Stalin is contesting, the turnout was 17.51%.
In Perambur constituency, where Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay is contesting, the turnout was 16.96%, while Tiruchirappalli East recorded 17.72%.
In Edappadi Assembly constituency, where Opposition Leader and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami is contesting, voter turnout stood at 19.07%.
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Chepauk — Thiruvallikeni — had a turnout of 15.70%.
Naam Tamilar Katchi chief Seeman’s Karaikudi constituency had a turnout of 15.74%.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president C Joseph Vijay urged the Election Commission of India to intervene in the severe transport disruptions affecting voters across Tamil Nadu on polling day. In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, he said thousands were stranded at major bus terminals in Chennai and other cities due to a lack of public transport, alleging that large-scale diversion of buses for poll duty had left voters unable to reach booths.
He called for the immediate deployment of emergency transport services, better queue management at polling stations, and a two-hour extension of polling time till 8 pm in affected constituencies. Vijay warned that the situation could disenfranchise voters and impact turnout if not addressed swiftly.
First-time voters in Kanniyakumari District marked their entry into democracy by casting their vote-and receiving saplings as a symbol of growth and responsibility@ECISVEEP @DeoKkiElection #MyVoteMyRight #VoteForDemocracy #ivote4tn #100PercentVoting #GoVote #EveryVoteCounts… pic.twitter.com/IkeZNZTra4
— Chief Electoral Officer Tamil Nadu (@TNelectionsCEO) April 23, 2026
First-time voters in Tiruppur District stepped forward to make their voice count at uniquely designed green-themed polling stations.
A new generation shaping the future of democracy.@ECISVEEP @deotrichy #MyVoteMyRight #VoteForDemocracy #ivote4tn #100PercentVoting #GoVote… pic.twitter.com/Xa8J3mLj8h
— Chief Electoral Officer Tamil Nadu (@TNelectionsCEO) April 23, 2026
According to ECI data, Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 17.69% at 9 am.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the turnout was 13.80% at 9 am.
As of 9.00 am, voter turnout stood at:
Ariyalur: 16.83%
Chengalpattu: 17.36%
Chennai: 16.51%
Coimbatore: 18.45%
Cuddalore: 16.9%
Dharmapuri: 17.91%
Dindugal: 18.28%
Erode: 19.55%
Kallakurichi: 17.02%
Kancheepuram: 18.78%
Kanniyakumari: 17.19%
Karur: 18.78%
Krishnagiri: 16.79%
Madurai: 17.32%
Mayiladuthurai: 16.43%
Nagapattinam: 17.86%
Namakkal: 19.83%
Parambalur: 17.68%
Pudukottai: 16.97%
Ramanathapuram: 15.54%
Ranipet: 18.09%
Salem: 19.46%
Sivaganga: 16.18%
Tenkasi: 17.34%
Thanjavur: 17.04%
The Nilgiris: 15.54%
Theni: 17.97%
Thiruvallur: 17.17%
Thiruvarur: 17.46%
Thoothukudi: 16.63%
Tiruchirappalli: 17.99%
Tirunelveli: 16.16%
Tirupathur: 17.27%
Tiruppur: 20.38%
Tiruvannamalai: 17.8%
Vellore: 17.96%
Villupuram: 17.76%
Virudhunagar: 18.02%
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K Selvaperunthagai cast his vote along with his family in Sriperumbudur.
K Selvaperunthagai cast his vote along with his family.
Makkal Needhi Maiam leader and actor Kamal Haasan cast his vote along with his daughter Shruti Haasan at the Chennai Higher Secondary School located at the junction of Eldams Road and Thiruvalluvar Salai in Chennai.
Kamal Haasan cast his vote along with his daughter Shruti Haasan.
Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin cast his vote along with his family at a polling booth in Alwarpet in Chennai.
After casting his vote in Chennai, Stalin spoke to reporters and urged everyone to fulfil their democratic duty.
When asked whether the DMK would return to power for a second term, he responded, “Tamil Nadu will win.”
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader and candidate from the Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East constituencies, Vijay, cast his vote at a polling booth in Neelangarai.
Vijay casting his vote.
Naam Tamilar Katchi leader Seeman cast his vote in Neelangarai.
Seeman cast his vote.
Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami cast his vote at the Siluvampalayam polling booth in the Edappadi Assembly constituency of Salem district.
Edappadi K Palaniswami cast his vote
Actor Ajith Kumar cast his vote at a polling station in Thiruvanmiyur.
Actor Ajith Kumar cast his vote.
Chief Electoral Officer, Archana Patnaik, IAS, cast her vote at a polling station under the Maduravoyal Assembly constituency.
தமிழ்நாடு சட்டமன்றப் பொதுத் தேர்தல் 2026 வாக்குப்பதிவு நாளான இன்று (23.04.2026), தலைமை தேர்தல் அதிகாரி, அர்ச்சனா பட்நாயக், இ.ஆ.ப., அவர்கள், மதுரவாயல் சட்டமன்ற தொகுதிக்குட்பட்ட வாக்குச்சாவடியில் தனது வாக்கினை பதிவு செய்தார்.@ECISVEEP #MyVoteMyRight #VoteForDemocracy… pic.twitter.com/XdLj9lqyXq
— Chief Electoral Officer Tamil Nadu (@TNelectionsCEO) April 23, 2026
Voting for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections began at 7 am across all 234 constituencies. From early morning, voters have been lining up to cast their ballots.
Out of around 75,000 polling stations, more than 5,000 have been classified as sensitive. Thousands of police personnel and election officials have been deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls.
In total, about 5.73 crore voters are expected to participate in this election.
