The Election Commission released the absolute voter turnout for the April 23 Tamil Nadu assembly elections on Saturday, just 48 hours before counting day. Data showed that 4,87,98,833 voters (4.88 crore) participated, representing 85.1% of the 5.73 crore registered voters across 234 constituencies—the highest turnout in the state's electoral history.
Modest Increase in Absolute Numbers
While the percentage turnout is a sharp rise from the 73.6% recorded in 2021, the absolute increase was modest: only 24.42 lakh more voters turned up, a 4.3% rise. The high percentage was largely due to the Special Summary Revision (SIR), which removed 57 lakh names, reducing the electorate from 6.29 crore to 5.73 crore.
Women Outvote Men
Over 2.52 crore women cast their votes, compared to 2.35 crore men—a difference of 17.25 lakh. Women's turnout was 2.1% higher than men's, continuing a trend since 2011. Of 7,728 registered third-gender voters, 4,517 voted, with Sulur constituency recording the highest number of transgender voters at 77.
Political Reactions and Counting Arrangements
The DMK and AIADMK criticized the EC for delaying the data release. Tamil Nadu electoral officer Archana Patnaik said elaborate arrangements have been made at 62 counting centres for May 4. Votes from 75,064 polling stations and postal ballots will be counted. Authorities have set up 234 counting halls, plus 240 halls for postal ballots. A total of 10,545 counting personnel and 4,624 micro-observers will ensure transparency. A three-tier security arrangement, including 65 CAPF companies and state police, will be deployed.
