Tamil Nadu Elections 2026 voting time, documents you should carry and full polling process explained

The Tamil Nadu election is being held today, Thursday, April 23, in a single phase across all 234 constituencies. The contest in Tamil Nadu is largely four-cornered, with the ruling DMK leading the Secular Progressive Alliance, while the AIADMK heads the National Democratic Alliance.

ALSO READ: West Bengal Election 2026: Voting time, total seats and documents to carry on poll day

Tamil Nadu Elections 2026 Voting Date & Time

The voting in Tamil Nadu has started from 7 am and will go on till 6 pm across the state. As there are more than 5 crore voters and 75,000+ polling booths, knowing the exact voting time in Tamil Nadu 2026 helps avoid delays and ensures smooth participation.


ALSO READ: How to find your polling booth near you 2026: Step-by-Step guide for Tamil Nadu and West Bengal voters

List of Documents Required for Voting

If you are voting today in Tamil Nadu, then you must carry a valid identity proof. While the Voter ID (EPIC) is the primary document, if it is unavailable, you must produce one of the 12 alternative photo identity documents prior to voting:

Aadhaar Card
PAN Card
Indian Passport
Driving License
Service Identity Cards (Central/State/PSU)
Passbook with photograph (Bank/Post Office)
Pension document with photograph
MNREGA Job Card
Health Insurance Smart Card (Ministry of Labour)
Official ID cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs
Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR
Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card

Step-by-Step Voting Process at Polling Booth

Here are the steps you need to follow when you reach the polling booth for voting in your Tamil Nadu constituency:

Step 1: Reach your assigned polling booth as per your voter slip or ID details

Step 2: Show your voter ID (EPIC) or any valid identity proof to the polling officer

Step 3: Your name is verified in the electoral roll

Step 4: Your finger is marked with indelible ink to prevent duplicate voting

Step 5: You receive a voter slip and are directed to the voting compartment

Step 6: Cast your vote using the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) by pressing the button next to your chosen candidate

Step 7: Verify your vote on the VVPAT screen for a few seconds and exit the polling booth after voting

Rules & regulations

No person is allowed to carry or use mobile phones, cordless phones, or wireless sets inside the polling booth

Mobile phones are generally allowed within the 100-metre "Lakshman Rekha" (security perimeter) only if they are switched off

Most polling stations in Tamil Nadu provide a temporary deposit facility (pigeon holes or tokens) at the entrance for voters to leave their phones safely before entering.

Canvassing, soliciting votes, or displaying any candidate's signs within 100 metres of the polling station is a punishable offense.