Chennai, May 4: 2026 Counting of votes for the 234-seat Tamil Nadu Assembly elections began at 8 a.m. on Monday across 62 designated centres in the State.
Votes from 75,064 polling stations, including postal ballots, are being counted following a high voter turnout of 85.1%, with nearly 4.8 crore votes cast.
The election has shaped into a three-way contest between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), and actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which is making its electoral debut.
Security arrangements are extensive, with around 1.25 lakh personnel deployed statewide. At key centres such as Loyola College, a three-layer security system has been put in place, with barricades and strict vehicle checks at entry points. Other major counting centres include Queen Mary’s College and Anna University.
Authorities have ensured basic facilities for officials, candidates, and agents, including drinking water, refreshments, medical aid, sanitation, and designated mobile phone deposit counters. At the Government College of Engineering, transport arrangements have been made to ferry personnel from the entrance to the counting halls.
Strict restrictions are in force inside counting halls mobile phones, laptops, and all electronic devices are prohibited. Secure arrangements have been made for the safekeeping of these devices, and separate rooms have been allocated for media personnel.
With counting underway, early trends are expected shortly, while the final outcome will determine whether the DMK retains power or if a significant political shift emerges in Tamil Nadu.
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