Tamil Nadu assembly election schedule 2026

The Election Commission has announced that Tamil Nadu will go to polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The Model Code of Conduct comes into effect immediately, kicking off the election process for the 234-member State Assembly, whose current term ends on May 10, 2026.

The last date to file nominations is April 6, with scrutiny on April 7 and withdrawal of candidatures by April 9.

Voting will be held across 2.19 lakh polling stations in four states and one Union Territory, with 25 lakh election officials deployed.

The final electoral roll for Tamil Nadu shows a total electorate of 5,67,07,380, including 2,77,38,925 male voters, 2,89,60,838 female voters, and 7,617 third-gender voters. Among them, 12.51 lakh are aged 18-19, 4.63 lakh are persons with disabilities, and 3.99 lakh are senior citizens aged 85 and above. The rolls were revised between October 27, 2025, and February 23, 2026, using January 1 as the qualifying date.




The main contest is expected between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes Congress, DMDK, and others, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) along with BJP and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). Actor-turned-politician Vijay will make his political debut with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

The last assembly elections in Tamil Nadu were held on April 6, 2021, in a single phase, with a voter turnout of 73.63%. Votes were counted on May 2, 2021.Elections 2026 mark a pivotal year for democratic processes across various regions in India and globally. This includes key state assembly elections, local body polls, and by-elections that could significantly impact national-level politics. Get real-time updates, important dates, voting procedures, and verified news — all in one place. Whether you're tracking results or exploring candidate profiles, this is your go-to hub for Elections 2026.