Tamil Nadu sees an impressive 70% turnout by 3 PM during the 2026 polls across all 234 constituencies. Meanwhile, Coimbatore reports clashes between DMK and BJP workers near a polling booth, highlighting isolated incidents amid an otherwise smooth voting process.
People turned up early
Voting began at 7 AM sharp. Long queues were seen even before that in many places. By 1 PM, it was 57%. By 3 PM, 70%. Election folks think it might cross 80% by end of day. Maybe even touch 2019 records.
One polling official in Chennai told us on condition of anonymity: "Honestly, we didn't expect this many people post-lunch. It's a good problem to have." The EC had made ramps and wheelchairs available. For those above 85, they could vote from home.
What happened in Coimbatore?
Around 2:15 PM in the Singanallur area, Ward Number 42. An argument started over checking voter IDs. Then someone shouted. Then someone pushed. Then all hell broke loose.
"I was sitting outside my shop. The next minute, I see plastic chairs flying in the air," said Venkatesh, who runs a tea stall right opposite the booth. "Two men fell down. Blood on one elbow. It was scary for a few minutes."
Police reached the spot within ten minutes. They picked up at least six people—three from each side, apparently. Voting at that booth stopped for about 20 minutes. Then it resumed.
Coimbatore Police Commissioner N. Kamini told reporters, "We have registered a case under rioting and hurt sections. The situation is normal now."
Political reactions came fast
DMK leader T.K.S. Elangovan said, "BJP men were trying to capture the booth. Our workers only defended. We have given our complaint to EC."
BJP state chief K. Annamalai hit back immediately: "DMK is frustrated. They see we are getting strong in West TN. That booth officer should be suspended today itself."
Other things happening
- Chennai: Kamal Haasan voted in Alwarpet. He told first-time voters not to take money or fall for caste talk.
- Madurai: EPS from AIADMK said EVMs were rigged in three booths in Bodinaickanur. EC said there was no proof.
- Machine glitches: Some 50 VVPAT machines had issues. Replaced within an hour in every case.
So what now?
Voting ends at 6 PM in most places. Some LWE areas get one extra hour — till 7 PM. With 70% already by 3 PM, Tamil Nadu might just break its own record.
Who wins? DMK or the BJP-AIADMK combo? We will know only on May 5 when counting starts.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tamil Nadu 2026 Assembly Elections
1. What was the voter turnout in Tamil Nadu 2026 elections by 3 PM?
Turnout hit an impressive 70% across all 234 constituencies by 3 PM on polling day. It started strong from 7 AM with queues everywhere, reaching 57% by 1 PM. Officials expect it to top 80% by close, maybe even beat 2019's record.
2. What caused the Coimbatore polling booth clash during Tamil Nadu polls?
Around 2:15 PM in Singanallur Ward 42, a voter ID check argument turned into a scuffle between DMK and BJP workers. Chairs flew, a couple guys got minor injuries, but police sorted it in 10 minutes—six arrests and voting back on after a 20-minute halt.
3. How did politicians react to the Coimbatore clash?
DMK's T.K.S. Elangovan blamed BJP for booth capturing, saying their workers just defended. BJP's K. Annamalai fired back, calling DMK frustrated over their Western TN gains and demanding the booth officer's suspension.
