Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: Voting Concludes Across 234 Constituencies, Records All Time High Voter Turnout

Updated: Thursday, April 23, 2026, 21:24 [IST]

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: Over 5.73 crore voters will decide the electoral fate of 4,023 candidates in the fray for the crucial Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on April 23, amid tight security and a massive crackdown by election authorities to prevent inducements to influence voters.

The contest primarily pits the DMK-led SPA against the AIADMK-led NDA, with CM Stalin seeking to retain power and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami fighting to return to the treasury benches after five years.

AI Summary

AI-generated summary, reviewed by editors

Tamil Nadu elections are set for April 23, with 5.73 crore voters deciding the fate of 4,023 candidates amid tight security; the main contest features CM Stalin's DMK-led SPA against Edappadi K Palaniswami's AIADMK-led NDA.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE Voting Begins Across 234 Constituencies In TN

LIVE Blog

Apr 23, 2026, 9:24 PM IST

LIVE Ends ! Thanks For Watching

Apr 23, 2026, 9:15 PM IST

On Tamil Nadu records historic 84.69% voter turnout in the Assembly elections, AIADMK National Spokesperson, Kovai Sathyan, says, "... There was no violence in Tamil Nadu today. DMK couldn't flex their muscle during the time of elections. The same with TMC... The rise in votes is not unprecedented... The newcomer, Vijay, has raised the expectations, but he doesn't have the organisation's strength or muscle power to harvest those voters in his favour..."

#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: On Tamil Nadu records historic 84.69% voter turnout in the Assembly elections, AIADMK National Spokesperson, Kovai Sathyan, says, "... There was no violence in Tamil Nadu today. DMK couldn't flex their muscle during the time of elections. The same… pic.twitter.com/rkdqqKmnyN
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 8:35 PM IST

The voting turnout in Tamil Nadu is yet updating and the latest is: 84.98%

Apr 23, 2026, 7:24 PM IST

Polling Ends In Tamil Nadu:

The final voter turnout stood at 84.45%, reflecting strong public participation and a high level of engagement among voters during the election.

Apr 23, 2026, 7:05 PM IST

Voting Ends:

EVMs are being sealed by polling officials as the voting for the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election 2026 concludes; Visuals from a polling booth in Chennai

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | EVMs are being sealed by polling officials as the voting for the #TamilnaduLegislativeAssemblyelection2026 concludes; Visuals from a polling booth in Chennai

As of 5 pm, the approximate voter turnout of 82.24% has been recorded in Tamil Nadu pic.twitter.com/vDi8f2djzv
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 6:59 PM IST

Tamil Nadu Assembly Election ends:

VMs are being sealed by polling officials as the voting for the Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls 2026 concludes; Visuals from a polling booth in Madurai.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | EVMs are being sealed by polling officials as the voting for the #TamilnaduLegislativeAssemblyelection2026 concludes; Visuals from a polling booth in Madurai

As of 5 pm, the approximate voter turnout of 82.24% has been recorded in Tamil Nadu pic.twitter.com/eO8eaOywev
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 6:43 PM IST

A newlywedded couple in Tiruchirappalli West constituency cast their vote immediately after their wedding ceremony.

#WATCH | Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu: A newlywedded couple in Tiruchirappalli West constituency cast their vote immediately after their wedding ceremony. pic.twitter.com/7wOdsl7xk9
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 6:15 PM IST

PMK candidate from Dharmapuri Assembly:

PMK candidate from Dharmapuri Assembly Constituency, Sowmiya Anbumani says, "... It is an honour to exercise our voting rights. In India, women were granted voting rights on par with men right after independence. India was progressive in giving equal rights from the start of the republic.

#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: PMK candidate from Dharmapuri Assembly Constituency, Sowmiya Anbumani says, "... It is an honour to exercise our voting rights. In India, women were granted voting rights on par with men right after independence. India was progressive in giving equal… https://t.co/VVjuFd3gnh pic.twitter.com/jLor6hAyJB
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 5:47 PM IST

Voter Turnout till 5PM In Tamil Nadu:

Tamil Nadu records an impressive 82.24% turnout.

Apr 23, 2026, 5:11 PM IST

Special voting arrangements have been made in the Srirangam Assembly constituency for the visually impaired voters. The voting machines are equipped with Braille features to enable independent voting. Visually impaired voters are allowed to bring an assistant to help them cast their vote.

Apr 23, 2026, 5:11 PM IST

Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections: Latha Rajinikanth, wife of Superstar Rajinikanth, says, "It is a constitutional duty as a citizen to come and vote."

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections: Latha Rajinikanth, wife of Superstar Rajinikanth, says, "It is a constitutional duty as a citizen to come and vote." https://t.co/iOJjpaIgah pic.twitter.com/8NukMhlIkW
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 4:58 PM IST

Tamil Nadu-Madurai:

Youth should come out and vote for a candidate they think is good for their future, says Sellur K. Raju after casting his vote in Madurai.

Apr 23, 2026, 4:53 PM IST

Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Actor Vasanth Ravi cast his vote for the state assembly elections.

#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Actor Vasanth Ravi cast his vote for the state assembly elections.

He says, "People who have not cast their votes yet, please come and vote. Every vote counts... It is a very important election; this is the power that you have on this day to choose… pic.twitter.com/zRP3CgGG9d
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 4:32 PM IST

Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections:

Singer Latha Rajinikanth, wife of Superstar Rajinikanth, casts her vote at Stella Maris College Polling booth in Chennai

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections: Singer Latha Rajinikanth, wife of Superstar Rajinikanth, casts her vote at Stella Maris College Polling booth in Chennai pic.twitter.com/GjTvRWbndl
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 4:29 PM IST

BJP candidate from Ramanathapuram, GBS K. Nagendran, cast his vote for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

#WATCH | Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu: BJP candidate from Ramanathapuram, GBS K. Nagendran, cast his vote for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

GBS K. Nagendran is contesting elections against the DMK candidate Katharbatcha Muthuramalingam and TVK candidate Shahul Hameed. pic.twitter.com/xhrE4knBit
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 4:11 PM IST

Actor Vishal Krishna Reddy In Tamil Nadu:

Actor Vishal Krishna Reddy says, "I have cast my vote. I urge those who have not yet voted to please step out of their homes and cast their ballots, because every vote counts. So far, we have reached a turnout of 70%, which is excellent. I would also like to encourage first-time voters to come forward and exercise their democratic right. And most importantly, when the voting percentage rises, it signifies that the people desire a change in the current state of affairs within the region..."

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections: Actor Vishal Krishna Reddy says, "I have cast my vote. I urge those who have not yet voted to please step out of their homes and cast their ballots, because every vote counts. So far, we have reached a turnout of 70%, which is excellent. I… https://t.co/80IuPNMiQg pic.twitter.com/CVQwxLoUMc
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 4:10 PM IST

West Bengal - Siliguri (Dangipara):

The Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CRPF) personnel dispersed a crowd gathered near a polling station. Mild force was used to disperse the people.

#WATCH | Siliguri, West Bengal: The Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CRPF) personnel dispersed a crowd gathered near a polling station. Mild force was used to disperse the people.

This incident took place in the Dangipara area of Siliguri. pic.twitter.com/MQB52Na14P
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 3:55 PM IST

Tamil Nadu polls 2026: EVM malfunction delays voting at Avadi booth in Chennai by over an hour.

VIDEO | Tamil Nadu polls 2026: EVM malfunction delays voting at Avadi booth in Chennai by over an hour.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)#AssemblyPollsWithPTI #TamilNaduPollsWithPTI pic.twitter.com/7qxCqzvlpo
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 3:54 PM IST

Voter Turnout till 3 PM -

Apr 23, 2026, 3:52 PM IST

Total votes polled are 3.96 Crore. Total voters of Tamil Nadu 5.67 Cr

Apr 23, 2026, 3:48 PM IST

Tamil Nadu records 70.00% voter turnout till 3 pm.

Apr 23, 2026, 3:29 PM IST

Tamil Nadu Elections LIVE:

Actor Suriya and his wife, actress Jyothika, arrived at a polling booth in D Nagar to cast their votes in the ongoing Tamil Nadu assembly elections.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections: Actor Suriya and his wife, actress Jyothika, arrived at a polling booth in D Nagar to cast their votes in the ongoing Tamil Nadu assembly elections. pic.twitter.com/ydmH7IGnkm
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 3:03 PM IST

Robot At Polling Station:

A robot has been stationed at the polling booth set up at the Government Muslim Higher Secondary School to welcome voters and attract public attention. Dressed in traditional Tamil attire, the robot is greeting members of the public as they arrive to cast their votes.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Elections 2026 | Vellore: A robot has been stationed at the polling booth set up at the Government Muslim Higher Secondary School to welcome voters and attract public attention. Dressed in traditional Tamil attire, the robot is greeting members of the public… pic.twitter.com/9nCWJjwFhd
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 2:45 PM IST

Tamil Nadu polls: Bedridden woman brought in ambulance to vote in Namakkal's Pallipalayam.

VIDEO | Tamil Nadu polls: Bedridden woman brought in ambulance to vote in Namakkal's Pallipalayam.#AssemblyPollsWithPTI #TamilNaduPollsWithPTI

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/m9F9xEAl2e
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 2:34 PM IST

Tamil Nadu voter turnout (region-wise) as of 1 pm, according to Election Commission of India.

District-wise voter turnout trends show Tiruppur leading with 62.97 per cent, followed closely by Namakkal at 62.51 per cent and Erode at 61.79 per cent. Salem recorded 61.42 per cent, while Dharmapuri stood at 59.79 per cent. Coimbatore saw a turnout of 58.24 per cent and Tiruchirappalli 57.66 per cent. Madurai reported 54.75 per cent, with Chennai at 54.58 per cent, while Kanniyakumari recorded the lowest among these at 50.35 per cent.

Apr 23, 2026, 2:33 PM IST

A robot developed by a student of Government Arts College is greeting voters and distributing sweets at a polling station set up on campus, adding a tech twist to Tamil Nadu’s election day. Talking to news agency ANI, a student Vimal Vijayan said, "We are promoting 100% voting through this robot. People are giving great response to this. The team developed the robot's voice processing and RC control model. The robot is giving a message - stand in queue and how to cast vote. I am passionate about electronics and engineering, robotics technology. Two such robots have been displayed."

Apr 23, 2026, 12:55 PM IST

Chennai Police Commissioner Abhin Dinesh Modak says, "All security arrangements have been made to secure the city. I have visited many polling booths and interacted with people. I would appeal to the people to come and vote. More than 28,000 security personnel, including Police and Home Guards, are deployed today. No untoward incident has happened so far."

Apr 23, 2026, 12:54 PM IST

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, his son Karan and wife Priya Dayanidhi Maran arrived at a polling booth in Chennai to cast their vote.

Apr 23, 2026, 12:53 PM IST

Actor-director Arvind Swamy cast his vote at a polling station in Chennai.

Apr 23, 2026, 11:45 AM IST

Voter turnout in Tamil Nadu rose steadily by 11 am during the Assembly Elections 2026, reaching 37.56 per cent. The increase reflects growing participation as polling continues across constituencies under tight security and well-managed arrangements at booths.

Apr 23, 2026, 7:16 am IST

Tamil actor Ajith Kumar cast his voted in Chennai on Thursday. He stood in queue since 6.45 am.

Apr 23, 2026, 7:20 am IST

How Tamil Nadu parties performed in their debut elections.

Apr 23, 2026, 7:21 am IST

NTK Chief Senthamilan Seeman casts his vote at a polling station in Neelankarai.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Elections 2026 | NTK Chief Senthamilan Seeman casts his vote at a polling station in Neelankarai. pic.twitter.com/zqcJB2XKBO
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 7:24 am IST

Tamil Nadu has witnessed an aggressive enforcement campaign against the influence of money and materials. TN CEO Patnaik disclosed that the total value of intercepted items has reached Rs 1,262 crore, of which actual seizures of cash and other material amount to Rs 543 crore.

Apr 23, 2026, 7:42 am IST

Edapadi Palanisamy votes at Siluvampalayam booth at Edapadi constituency in Salem.

Apr 23, 2026, 7:46 am IST

Ajith casts his vote early, as always.

Gentleman Arrives For Polling His Vote 🫡📈👑💥💥💥@Akracingoffl #AjithKumar | #AK64 pic.twitter.com/9mXpckebmz
— Ajith Siraj (@ssiraj1986) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 8:00 am IST

Out of the total polling booths, 5,949 in 3,025 locations have been identified as highly sensitive in Tamil Nadu.

Apr 23, 2026, 8:01 am IST

Tamil Nadu

Key candidates include Stalin in Kolathur, Palaniswami in Edappadi, Vijay in Perambur and Trichy East, and NTK leader Seeman in Karaikudi. Other prominent contenders include Udhayanidhi Stalin in Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, O. Panneerselvam in Bodinayakanur, Premalatha Vijayakant in Vriddhachalam, and K.A. Sengottaiyan in Gobichettipalayam, contesting this time on a TVK ticket.

Apr 23, 2026, 8:16 am IST

AIADMK candidate from Royapuram, D. Jayakumar casts his vote at a polling station in Mylapore.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Elections 2026 | AIADMK candidate from Royapuram, D. Jayakumar casts his vote at a polling station in Mylapore. pic.twitter.com/Frpz2XLyX0
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 8:28 am IST

MNM chief and actor Kamal Haasan, along with his daughter Shruti Haasan, cast their votes at Alwarpet School in Chennai.

Apr 23, 2026, 8:31 am IST

A temporary shamiana (tent) nearly collapsed at a polling booth in Neelankarai when actor Vijay arrived to cast his vote. The situation turned tense as a large number of reporters and fans surged forward at once, causing overcrowding near the entrance. The sudden rush put pressure on the structure, making it lose balance momentarily. However, the tent was quickly supported and stabilised, preventing a complete collapse and ensuring that no injuries were reported.

Apr 23, 2026, 8:34 am IST

How Crowded Is Each Constituency?

The Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 present a diverse electoral landscape with 4,023 candidates in the fray across the state. The data shows sharp variations in contest intensity, with Karur emerging as the most crowded constituency at 79 candidates, while Kinathukadavu and Ambasamudram record the lowest at just 5 each. A majority of constituencies fall within the 10–30 candidate range, indicating moderate competition, while a few pockets reflect either highly crowded or relatively sparse contests.

Apr 23, 2026, 8:35 am IST

Vijay, TVK chief and candidate from Tiruchirappalli East and Perambur constituencies arrives at a polling station in Chennai to cast his vote.

Apr 23, 2026, 8:36 am IST

AIADMK General Secretary, LoP and AIADMK candidate from Edappadi Assembly Constituency, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) says, "I request all the voters to go to the polling booths and cast their votes for the ongoing elections. I'm 100% confident... In the ongoing elections, everyone should exercise their democratic right..."

Apr 23, 2026, 8:44 am IST

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday urged the people of Tamil Nadu to exercise their democratic right to ensure inclusive welfare and take a stand against those who want to "snatch" federal rights. In a post on X, Kharge said, "Dear brothers and sisters of Tamil Nadu, the fight today is to secure your rights. The fight is to protect federalism, rationality, equality, justice and freedom. "It is time for you to exercise your Democratic right and take a stand against those who want to snatch your federal rights," Kharge said. "It is also to ensure inclusive welfare and retain the ideals of social justice espoused by your icons," the Congress chief said.

Apr 23, 2026, 8:49 am IST

Actor-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay cast his vote at a polling booth set up in a school in Neelangarai, Chennai. His arrival attracted significant attention, prompting tight security arrangements at the venue to ensure the voting process remained smooth and orderly.

Apr 23, 2026, 8:50 am IST

Superstar Rajinikanth casts his vote at Stella Maris School, in Chennai.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Elections 2026 | Superstar Rajinikanth casts his vote at Stella Maris School, in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/ILfnpfdMRb
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 8:51 am IST

Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK candidate from Thiruverumbur constituency, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi casts his vote at a polling station in Tiruchirappalli.

Apr 23, 2026, 9:07 am IST

MNM chief and actor Kamal Haasan, along with his daughter Shruti Haasan, show their inked fingers after casting their votes. On being asked, how confident is he of a second term, Kamal Haasan says, "Yes"

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: MNM chief and actor Kamal Haasan, along with his daughter Shruti Haasan, show their inked fingers after casting their votes.

On being asked, how confident is he of a second term, Kamal Haasan says, "Yes" pic.twitter.com/1khSyg1HUD
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 9:07 am IST

State Minister and DMK Principal Secretary K.N. Nehru, who is also the party’s candidate from the Tiruchirappalli West constituency, cast his vote and shows his inked finger, at Makkal Mandram polling station

Apr 23, 2026, 9:08 am IST

State Minister and DMK Principal Secretary K.N. Nehru says, "This election is not a challenge in any way; it is just like any other election... We worked with the goal of winning all 41 constituencies in the Delta region, and we are confident of achieving that... We have moved forward towards our goal with the support of the people for the Chief Minister. We are confident of winning 200 constituencies..."

Apr 23, 2026, 9:08 am IST

Tamil Nadu CM and DMK candidate from Kolathur, MK Stalin casts his vote and shows his inked finger, at a polling station in Chennai.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Elections 2026 | Tamil Nadu CM and DMK candidate from Kolathur, MK Stalin casts his vote and shows his inked finger, at a polling station in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/L8QJwihdNB
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 9:10 am IST

Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin's wife and son, Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi and Inbanithi, respectively, cast their votes at a polling station in Chennai.

Apr 23, 2026, 9:10 am IST

Actor-singer Dhruv Vikram casts his vote at a polling station in Chennai.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Elections 2026 | Actor-singer Dhruv Vikram casts his vote at a polling station in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/C7628SsB9O
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Apr 23, 2026, 9:13 am IST

Deputy Chief Minister and DMK candidate for the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency, Udhayanidhi Stalin, casts his vote and shows his inked finger, at a polling station in Chennai.

Apr 23, 2026, 9:13 am IST

Vijay, TVK chief and candidate from Tiruchirappalli East and Perambur constituencies, cast his vote at a polling station in Chennai.

Apr 23, 2026, 9:15 am IST

Durga Stalin, wife of Tamil Nadu CM and DMK candidate from Kolathur, MK Stalin, casts her vote at a polling station in Chennai.

Apr 23, 2026, 9:15 am IST

Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin's wife Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi says, "Just come out and vote. I have been doing this for the last 25 years. My son is voting for the first time."

Apr 23, 2026, 9:16 am IST

Along with his family, including Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu CM and DMK candidate from Kolathur, MK Stalin, leaves after casting their votes, at a polling station in Chennai.

Apr 23, 2026, 9:25 am IST

Tamil Nadu CM and DMK chief M.K. Stalin says, "Just like I exercised my right, everyone must fulfil their democratic duty, it is important. When asked about actor Ajith Kumar's reported statement, "we don’t need change", he says, "What he said is right."