Chennai: Tamil Nadu recorded a historic voter turnout in its Assembly elections on Thursday, with participation crossing 80% for the first time.

According to the Election Commission of India, the state had registered 82.24% turnout by 5 pm, with over 80% of the 5.73 crore eligible voters casting their ballots across 234 constituencies. This surpasses the previous highest turnout of 78.29% recorded in the 2011 elections.

The voter base has also changed significantly due to the Special Intensive Revision, which reduced the electorate from 6.41 crore in October 2025 to 5.73 crore. In comparison, the 2021 elections had about 6.29 crore registered voters.

Among districts, Salem led with 88.02% turnout, followed by strong participation in Tiruchirappalli (82.76%), Coimbatore (82.33%), Chennai (81.34%), and Madurai (77.89%).

Several high-profile constituencies also saw robust voting. In Kolathur, where DMK leader and Chief Minister M. K. Stalin is contesting, turnout reached 83.58% by 5 pm. In Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni, represented by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, polling stood at 81.89%.

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In Edappadi constituency in Salem, turnout was even higher at 89.09%, where AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami is contesting from his traditional stronghold.

In Tiruchirappalli East, where actor-turned-politician Vijay of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is contesting, turnout was recorded at 79.32% till 5 pm.

Overall, the Election Commission of India noted that the state saw unusually high participation across urban and rural constituencies, marking one of Tamil Nadu’s most heavily voted elections to date.