A tribal woman casts her vote at Athikadavu village in Mettupalayam constituency, where out of a total of 460 registered votes, 400 (over 86%) had been cast as of 1 p.m.

Polling in the Poompuhar Assembly constituency of Mayiladuthurai district was disrupted briefly on Thursday (April 23, 2026) after a head constable on election duty was stabbed by a man at a polling booth.

The injured policeman, identified as Vignesh, a head constable attached to the Kuthalam police station, was on security duty at Jamaliya Middle School in Poraiyarbooth when a man suddenly attacked him with a small knife and inflicted multiple stab injuries on the constable’s neck and both hands.

Police identified the accused as Prabhakaran, a resident of Kattucheri and a retired serviceman. Preliminary inquiry revealed that he allegedly harboured hostility towards police personnel and had been involved in a similar assault on a policeman a few years ago.

— M. Nacchinarkkiniyan

As of 1 p.m. Kanniyakumari district recorded 50.35% voter turnout

Kanniyakumari-53.52%

Nagercoil-50.89%

Colachel-48.62%

Padmanabhapuram-51.48%

Vilavancode-50.41%

Killiyoor-46.76%

— B. Shankari Nivethitha

Krishnagiri district recorded 56.21 % as of 1 pm

Uthangarai recorded 58.99%

Bargur recorded 58.39%

Krishnagiri registered 56.56%

Vepanahalli recorded 56.37%

Hosur recorded 55.01%

Thally recorded 52.44%

— P.V. Srividya

Dharmapuri district recorded 59.02% polling

Dharmapuri Constituency recorded 58.28%

Pennagaram recorded 58.55% 

Palacode recorded 60.68%

Paapireddipatti registered 59%

Harur registered 58.66%

— P.V. Srividya

Voter turnout in Chennai district: Constituency Name and Number | Approximate Polling Trends (VTR)

Anna Nagar - 21 | 56.61%

Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni - 19 | 53.55%

Dr. Radhakrishnan Nagar - 11 | 55.68%

Egmore - 16 | 53.67%

Harbour - 18 | 54.39%

Kolathur - 13 | 56.59%

Mylapore - 25 | 48.86%

Perambur - 12 | 56.24%

Royapuram - 17 | 49.67%

Saidapet - 23 | 52.76%

Thiru-Vi-Ka-Nagar - 15 | 48.74%

Thyagarayanagar - 24 | 58.01%

Thousand Lights - 20 | 55.05%

Velachery - 26 | 56.26%

Villivakkam - 14 | 56.66%

Virugampakkam - 22 | 59.30%

— R. Aishwaryaa

Six hours into polling in Tamil Nadu, voter turnout stands at 56.81 %, as of 1 p.m. About five more hours of voting to go.

As many as 17 polling stations in the district, each with more than eight booths at a single location, have been set up, and a colour-coding system has been implemented with pathways and signage to help voters locate their booths.

Most of these stations are in the Erode (East) and Erode (West) Assembly constituencies, while a few have been established in the Bhavani, Anthiyur and Bhavanisagar (R) constituencies. One polling station in Erode (East) has 11 booths, while four stations have 10 booths each. Similarly, six polling stations have nine booths each, and another six have eight booths each.

Each booth has been assigned a distinct colour, with voters guided to their respective booths through matching pathway markings and signage — S.P. Saravanan

Overall polling percentage in Chennai district - 35.47%

Assembly constituency-wise voter turnout are as below:

Anna Nagar – 36.70%

Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni – 34.44%

Dr. Radhakrishnan Nagar – 35.71%

Egmore – 34.40%

Harbour – 34.39%

Kolathur – 37.06%

Mylapore – 31.55%

Perambur – 36.26%

Royapuram – 31.71%

Saidapet – 34.38%

Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar – 31.37%

Thyagarayanagar – 39.08%

Thousand Lights – 35.69%

Velachery – 37.18%

Villivakkam – 36.92%

Virugampakkam – 39.39%

Brisk polling in southern districts of Tamil Nadu; Ramanathapuram Collector says over 30 % polling recorded at 11 a.m.

Brisk polling commenced in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu on Thursday. Except for a few complaints of technical snag in the ballot unit in a couple of polling stations in Dindigul and Thoothukudi, it was largely peaceful, officials said.

The south zone consists of 10 districts namely - Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Kanniyakumari and Thoothukudi.

There are 58 Assembly Constituencies.

From the start at 7 a.m., there were long queues in the rural pockets of Madurai city and suburban areas. Women voters turned up in large numbers. Despite scorching Sun, turnout in the first 60 minutes was 18 %, officials said.

A few BLOs in Madurai North, Madurai West and in Melur complained of breakfast not being served till 9 .a.m., Likewise, in Kanniyakumari district, the women police said that the number of rest rooms was very less when compared to the presence of women police deployed in the district.

Prominent political personalities, candidates in the fray and ministers cast their votes in the respective polling stations since 8 a.m.

The Ramanathapuram District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon said that the average polling percentage at 11 a.m. was 31.86 in the four Assembly Constituencies. There were no issues and polling was going on peacefully, he said.

In Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Kanniyakumari district, voting went on smoothly. In some rural pockets in Tirunelveli, people had left the booth slips at their dwellings. However, the polling staff in the station helped them cast their votes.

In Pottalurani in Thoothukudi district, a little over 900 voters had given a boycott call. Their grievance was that the district administration had not closed the fish processing units in the area, which had spoilt the eco-system, they alleged. -- L. Srikrishna

Residents of the Scheduled Caste hamlet of Vengaivayal boycotted polling on Thursday (April 23, 2026), even as voting proceeded peacefully in the area with residents of neighbouring Irayur withdrawing their earlier boycott call and participating in the election.

Black flags were put up in Vengaivayal as a mark of protest.

The boycott stems from the alleged contamination of an overhead tank supplying drinking water to the SC hamlet with human faeces — an incident in December 2022 that triggered widespread outrage and is currently under investigation by the CB-CID. Residents have expressed dissatisfaction over the probe, alleging that the real culprits have not yet been arrested.

Speaking to The Hindu, K.R. Murugan, a Dalit resident, said they were being framed in a case in which they were themselves the victims.

Tensions had prevailed in the area in recent weeks, with protests by both communities. However, following multiple rounds of peace talks by the district administration and police, residents of Irayur turned up to vote — Nacchinarkkiniyan

N. Dorairaj, a 90-year-old retired Tahsildar, chose not to use a postal ballot despite being eligible. Instead, he insisted on casting his vote in person at his polling station, following the standard procedure. 

At the Xavier Matriculation Higher Secondary School in the Madurai East Assembly constituency, Mr. Dorairaj even declined the available wheelchair. Relying only on his walking stick and assistance from volunteers, he climbed a short flight of stairs to reach the booth. 

Mr. Dorairaj said he once served as a returning officer.

— B. Tilak Chandar

Constituency-wise voter turnout (VTR) in constituencies of Chennai district: 

Overall Chennai district - 16.51%

Anna Nagar (21) – 17.06%

Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni (19) – 15.70%

Dr. Radhakrishnan Nagar (11) – 16.32%

Egmore (16) – 15.64%

Harbour (18) – 15.01%

Kolathur (13) – 17.51%

Mylapore (25) – 14.51%

Perambur (12) – 16.96%

Royapuram (17) – 14.39%

Saidapet (23) – 16.05%

Thiru-Vi-Ka-Nagar (15) – 14.38%

Thyagarayanagar (24) – 18.75%

Thousand Lights (20) – 16.66%

Velachery (26) – 18.12%

Villivakkam (14) – 17.02%

Virugampakkam (22) – 18.85%

As of 9 a.m. the approximate polling trends for the Coimbatore district are as follows:

In the Coimbatore (North) - 118 constituency, the approximate voter turnout recorded is 16.84%. Meanwhile, the Coimbatore (South) - 120 constituency shows an approximate polling trend of 17.80%.

The Kavundampalayam - 117 constituency has reported an approximate turnout of 20.26%, whereas the Kinathukadavu - 122 constituency stands at 18.86%.

For the Mettuppalayam - 111 constituency, the approximate polling trend is 18.12%. In the Pollachi - 123 constituency, the recorded turnout is 18.45%.

The Singanallur - 121 constituency shows an approximate turnout of 18.34%. In the Sulur - 116 constituency, the reported polling trend is 19.26%.

Finally, the Thondamuthur - 119 constituency has an approximate turnout of 18.40%, and the Valparai - 124 constituency has recorded an approximate polling trend of 16.14%.

— Sibi Sreevathson T.C.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president C. Joseph Vijay wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner seeking an extension of polling period by two hours and take immediate measures to deploy emergency public transport services — N. Sai Charan

Voting at Booth No. 162 in Doddabavi, under Jadayampalayam panchayat in the Mettupalayam Assembly constituency, was delayed by nearly two hours on Thursday after a malfunction in the EVM. 

Assistant Returning Officer Kavitha said no issues were detected during the mock poll conducted before the start of voting. However, the control unit developed a malfunction just before polling was to commence at 7 a.m.

Polling staff attempted to rectify the issue, but the fault could not be resolved immediately, resulting in no votes being recorded during the initial hours. The delay led to distress among people gathered at the booth.

The machine was later repaired, and polling commenced at around 9.15 a.m.

Women and men have been standing in long queues at the polling booths in Karur, Aravakurichi, Kulithalai, and Krisharayapuram constituencies since polling began at 7 a.m. 

At Rachandarthirumalai, which comes under the Kulithalai constituency, voters, primarily above 35 years of age, have been waiting patiently to exercise their franchise. 

Police personnel and home guards were present at multiple polling booths set up at the Government Higher Secondary School at RT. Malai. 

P. Pichaitammal, 70, was among the early voters at the polling booth. 

According to police sources, polling is progressing on a peaceful note in Karur. No untoward incidents have been reported so far. 

— C. Jaisankar

At 8.30 a.m. on Thursday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports 30°C in Chennai, with a whopping 84% humidity, pushing the “feels like” temperature close to 39°C. Take precautions while stepping out to vote!

The Tamil Nadu State Transport Department, in a post on X, said it is operating special buses from Chennai to facilitate voting.

The Department, in the post, said: “As of midnight 24.00 hours on 21.04.2026, the usual 2,092 buses were fully operated, along with an additional 1,339 special buses. Thus, a total of 3,431 buses were operated, and 1,88,705 passengers traveled.” 

“From 22.04.2026 to this morning (23.04.2026) as of 7.00 hours, the usual 2,580 buses were fully operated, along with an additional 4,158 special buses. Thus, a total of 6,738 buses were operated, and 4.38 lakh passengers traveled.”

“From 21.04.2026 to this morning (23.04.2026) as of 7 a.m., 6.27 lakh passengers have traveled,” it further said, adding: “In anticipation of the 2026 Assembly elections, taking into account the needs of the public, additional buses are being continuously operated as required.”

Veteran Congress leader P. Chidambaram cast his vote at a polling station in Karaikudi. Speaking to presspersons, he urged young voters to support stability, growth, and welfare. He praised the enthusiasm of youth voters but cautioned against fanciful ideas. He emphasised the need to vote for a stable government that delivers results. Chidambaram expressed confidence that the Secular Progressive Alliance will return to power highlighting the governance and welfare measures implemented over the past five years — C. Palanivel Rajan

Voters began lining up at polling booths set up at Government Higher Secondary School in Thengamputhoor and LMPC Higher Secondary School in Puthalam since 7 a.m. in the Kanniyakumari Assembly constituency. 

Across Kanniyakumari district, jute bags were arranged at polling stations for depositing mobile phones, and tokens were also distributed for the same purpose.

- B. Shankari Nivethitha

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami cast his vote, along with his family members, at the polling booth in Nedunkulam panchayat school at Siluvampalayam in the Edappadi Assembly constituency on Thursday (April 23, 2026).

After casting his vote, Mr. Palaniswami told reporters that all voters should go to their polling booths and perform their democratic duty. 

When asked about the cash allegedly distributed for votes by the DMK across Tamil Nadu and in the Coimbatore South Assembly constituency, Mr. Palaniswami refused to answer and stated that the election model code of conduct is in force. 

Asked about the arrangements for the polling, Mr. Palaniswami said that polling has just started and people are starting to vote.

- M. Sabari

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge calls on Tamil Nadu voters to protect federal rights and justice, urging young voters to actively participate in democracy.

“The fight today is to secure your rights. The fight is to protect federalism, rationality, equality, justice and freedom. It is also to ensure inclusive welfare and retain the ideals of social justice espoused by your icons,” the Congress chief wrote on X.

“It is time for you to exercise your democratic right and take a stand against those who want to snatch your federal rights,” he added.

Mr. Kharge also urged the first-time young voters “to come out in large numbers and vote for the future of Tamil Nadu”.

The fate of 113 candidates, including sitting Ministers M.R.K. Panneerselvam and C.V. Ganesan, will be decided by an electorate of 20,34,971. 

Around 4,500 police personnel from the District Police, Tamil Nadu Special Police, and Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed at approximately 2,590 polling stations across the district to ensure smooth polling.

Among the candidates to cast votes early were Mr. Panneerselvam and former Minister M.C. Sampath, the AIADMK candidate for the Cuddalore Assembly constituency.

- S. Prasad

Polling began on the usual note at polling booths 161 and 162 in Athikulam in Madurai North Assembly Constituency. 

These booths mostly cater to the Tamil Nadu Government Officials’ Quarters in DRO Colony and the police quarters in Reserve Line. Though voters arrived much before 7 a.m., the time for commencing polling, only five to seven electors were in line at both polling stations when the polling started.

While most of the voters had carried their polling slips, there was one exception: a mother and daughter. The BLOs helped them trace their part number and serial number using the electors’ EPIC cards.

- Sundar Subbiah

Model and all-women-managed booths have been set up across the Erode district to assist voters, including eight model polling stations and eight all-women-managed stations in the eight Assembly constituencies. Additionally, one polling station for persons with disabilities is located in Erode (West), and a youth voters’ polling station is in Erode (East).

Three green polling booths have been established in the hill areas: one at the Kalithimbam tribal hamlet and Arepalayam in the Thalavadi Hills, and another at Thamaraikarai in the Bargur Hills.

As many as 17 polling stations, each with more than eight booths, have been identified in the district, and a colour-coding system has been implemented to help voters locate their booths.

- S.P. Saravanan

A step-by-step guide to find your polling station and name in the voter list.

Polling begins in 3,523 of 4,085 polling stations across 16 Assembly constituencies of Chennai on April 23, 2026.

- Aloysius Xavier Lopez

K.A. Sengottaiyan, TVK chief coordinator and candidate from the Gobichettipalayam Assembly constituency, casts his vote at a polling station in Kullampalayam, Gobichettipalayam, in Erode district on April 23, 2026.

Taking to X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Tamil Nadu voters, especially youth and women, to actively participate in the Assembly elections today.

“As Tamil Nadu votes in the Assembly elections, I call upon all voters to take part enthusiastically in this sacred duty of democracy. I urge the youth and the women of Tamil Nadu in particular to come out and vote in record numbers,” PM Modi said.

”As Tamil Nadu goes to vote, I appeal to our sisters and brothers to participate enthusiastically and vote in large numbers. I urge all of you to elect a government that works towards the fulfilment of your aspirations, not one that works for the ambitions of its own family,” Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah wrote on X.

District Election Officer and Collector S. Kandasamy said polling was under way in all eight Assembly constituencies in the district.

Addressing the media after casting his vote at a polling station in Sampath Nagar in Erodae on Thursday (April 23, 2026), Mr. Kandasamy said mock polls had been conducted successfully at all booths in the presence of candidates’ agents before the commencement of voting.

For the first time, web-streaming facilities have been provided at all polling stations in the district, enabling real-time monitoring of activities inside and outside the booths from the District Election Office, the offices of the Returning Officers, and the Chief Electoral Officer. 

The Election Commission of India has also introduced a dedicated mobile application to track voter turnout every two hours, with updates being shared promptly with the media and the public.

Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place at all polling stations to ensure that voters can exercise their franchise freely and fairly, he said. The Collector added that it gave him immense satisfaction to have performed his democratic duty as one of the first voters in the district.

- S.P. Saravanan

There are eight constituencies in Erode district: Erode (East), Erode (West), Modakkurichi, Perundurai, Bhavani, Anthiyur, Gobichettipalayam, and Bhavanisagar (R), in which 118 candidates are in fray. 

Prominent candidates were Minister S. Muthusamy (Erode West), Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s K.A. Sengottaiyan (Gobichettipalayam), AIADMK’s R. Manoharan (Erode East), Tamil Maanila Congress’s M. Yuvaraja (Erode West), BJP’s S. Kirthika (Modakkurichi), DMK’s Thoppu N.D. Venkatachalam (Perundurai), former AIADMK Minister K.C. Karuppannan (Bhavani), and Communist Party of India’s P.L. Sundaram (Bhavanisagar).

As many as 11,420 polling personnel, 67 micro-observers, and 1,052 police personnel have been deployed at 2,379 booths to ensure the smooth conduct of polling. In addition, 2,900 police personnel and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel have been deployed for security, including additional forces at 73 vulnerable booths across the district.

- S.P. Saravanan

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The stage is set for polling in eight Assembly constituencies in the Erode district. Polling will be held from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and a total of 17,59,157 electors—comprising 8,47,197 men, 9,11,778 women, and 182 third-gender persons—are eligible to vote. A total of 2,379 polling booths have been set up at 983 locations for voters to exercise their franchise, and 118 candidates are in the fray.

The polling process began with mock polling conducted at 5.30 a.m. in all booths in the presence of booth agents. As many as 50 votes were cast in each booth during the mock poll, and the votes recorded in electronic voting machines (EVMs) were verified with the voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) units. Mock poll certificate were issued by the presiding officers.

The polling process began with mock polling conducted at 5.30 a.m. in all booths in the presence of booth agents. As many as 50 votes were cast in each booth during the mock poll, and the votes recorded in electronic voting machines (EVMs) were verified with the voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) units. Mock poll certificates were issued by the presiding officers.

- S.P. Saravanan

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The Election Commission of India has made extensive arrangements, setting up over 75,000 polling booths across Tamil Nadu, as the State with 5.73 crore voters is set to elect 234 legislators for its 17th Legislative Assembly on Thursday (April 23, 2026).

Election officials have been sent to their designated polling booths, while Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), including 1,06,418 ballot units, 75,064 control units, and 75,064 VVPAT units, have been dispatched across the State.

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