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Over 57 million voters to decide fate of 4,023 candidates in Tamil Nadu today
Tamil Nadu votes today to elect the 17th state assembly across 234 constituencies. The electorate totals over 57.3 million, with 4,023 candidates in the fray, as security, transport, and media oversight are put in place ahead of polling. Counting is scheduled for May 4, with campaigning having ended the prior week.
Why It Matters
The outcome will determine the next five years of government in Tamil Nadu amid a contest between the DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led alliance, with TVK also contesting and impacting dynamics. Letting voters decide will shape leadership and policy directions in the state.
Timeline
3 Events
Polling day across Tamil Nadu with security and oversight measures
April 23, 2026
Polling across all 234 assembly constituencies will be held today from 7am to 6pm. The electorate remains 57,343,291, with 29,304,905 women, 28,030,658 men, and 7,728 transgenders. A total of 4,023 candidates are contesting (3,579 men, 443 women, 1 transgender), including MK Stalin (Kolathur), Udhayanidhi Stalin (Chepauk-Thiruvallur), Edappadi K. Palaniswami (Edappadi), and Vijay contesting from two seats (Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East). Karur has 79 candidates; Sholinganallur and Harbour elector counts stand at 536,991 and 116,896 respectively. There are 75,064 polling booths, with about 1,700 CAPF companies deployed and 147,000 state police personnel. A state media control room monitors print, electronic, and social media; complaints include 437 social media, 129 print, and 100 electronic media issues so far. A master control room with 18 district officers monitors polling via live webcasts; over 15 million CCTV cameras are reported to be installed across booths (one inside, one outside per booth). Transport arrangements include 6,234 additional buses and three special Southern Railway trains. Notable candidates include TVK’s entry; counting is scheduled for May 4.
Logistical preparations ahead of polling day
April 22, 2026
Polling officials arranged transport and setup of EVMs and other election paraphernalia across Tamil Nadu's 75,064 polling booths. The electorate total stood at 57,343,291 voters, including 29,304,905 women, 28,030,658 men, and 7,728 transgenders. There were 4,023 candidates across 234 constituencies: 3,579 men, 443 women, and one transgender. Karur constituency had the most candidates (79). Sholinganallur had the highest number of electors (536,991) while Harbour had the lowest (116,896).
Last day of campaigning ahead of polling
April 21, 2026
On the final day of campaigning, the two main alliances – DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance – made last-ditch appeals to voters. DMK leader MK Stalin urged voters to discern truth and hard work, while AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami promised manifesto commitments such as 24x7 war rooms for women's safety and a minimum support price for mango farmers.