Following the announcement of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Election 2026 on March 15, political parties intensified their campaigns, covering up to four districts a day, making the campaign highly aggressive. Voter interest, particularly among young voters, was significantly higher compared to previous elections, with the participation of actor Vijay’s political party generating considerable enthusiasm among the electorate.

Polling concluded successfully recently, with a notable increase in voter turnout compared to the previous Assembly election.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI) estimates, out of a total voter base of 5.73 crore, the polling percentage stood at an estimated 85.15% (as of 25th April), with approximately 4.83 crore people casting their votes.

In contrast, the 2021 Assembly election recorded 4.62 crore votes with a polling percentage of 73.63%.

“The percentage difference is due to SIR,” said an industrialist from Coimbatore, adding that about 20 lakh more people are estimated to have voted in this election.

In Coimbatore district alone, out of 27,44,432 voters, an estimated 84.39% turnout was recorded, with around 23 lakh people casting their votes.

The State recorded its highest-ever polling percentage in an Assembly election at 84.69%.

According to provisional figures, over 4.85 crore voters exercised their franchise across all 234 Assembly constituencies to elect the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that this marks the highest polling percentage ever recorded in Tamil Nadu.

In Coimbatore district, the polling percentage was 84.76%, approximate polling trends showed varying turnout across constituencies, with Coimbatore (North) recording 75.67%, Coimbatore (South) 82.16%, Kavundampalayam 85.50%, Kinathukadavu 87.11%, Mettuppalayam 85.96%, Pollachi 88.09%, Singanallur 81.20%, Sulur 88.31%, Thondamuthur 87.50%, and Valparai 85.95%. (As of 25th April)

A historical comparison indicates a steady rise in voter participation over the years. In 2001, 59.07% polling was recorded with 2.80 crore votes out of 4.74 crore voters, while in 2006, the turnout rose to 70.56% with 3.28 crore votes. In 2011, polling stood at 78.29% with 3.68 crore votes.

However, turnout dipped slightly in 2016 to 74.81% with 4.32 crore votes and further to 73.63% in 2021 with 4.58 crore votes. In 2026, the State witnessed a significant jump, with 84.69% polling and 4.71 crore votes cast out of a total electorate of 5.73 crore.