Salem region records historic voter turnout

Salem: Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri and Erode districts on Thursday recorded a historic voter turnout, which rose sharply above the 2016 and 2021 figures. Long queues were seen across the polling stations in the region from the morning itself, and most constituencies recorded more than 85% voter turnout by evening.Salem district topped the region in voter turnout at 90.13%, followed by Dharmapuri (89.78%), Erode (89.72%), Namakkal (89.43%) and Krishnagiri (85.22%).In Salem, constituencies such as Veerapandi and Sankari saw voter turnout crossing the 90% mark, while Edappadi, where AIADMK leader EPS cast his vote, reported brisk polling. In Yercaud too voter turnout was overwhelming, despite logistical challenges.The increase is significant when compared to the previous elections. In 2021, voter turnout was recorded at 82.8% in Salem, against 78% in 2016; 83.5% in Namakkal, against 80% in 2016; 86.3% in Dharmapuri, against 82.4% in 2016; 78.5% in Krishnagiri, against 80.5% in 2016; and 76.9% in Erode, against 79% in 2026.This year's figures have hence set a new benchmark for the region. Election officials said the surge was driven largely by youth, women and first-time voters.