TN Elections 2026: The ultimate voters guide – Spl. Article by Naveen

By Naveen Last updated Apr 23, 2026

TN Elections 2026: The ultimate voters guide

With the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections taking place today, April 23, 2026, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has finalized a detailed blueprint for the state’s 5.73 crore voters. This election stands out for its high-tech integration and a record number of specialized polling stations.

(a) The Polling Window

Standard Hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The “6:00 PM Token” Rule: If you are in the queue by 6:00 PM, officials must issue you a slip/token and allow you to vote, even if the process extends past the official closing time.

(b) Identity & Documents: What You Need

The Voter Information Slip (VIS) with its new QR code is great for finding your booth, but it is not a valid ID. You must carry your EPIC (Voter ID) or one of these 12 approved alternatives:

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

The 100m Rule:

No campaigning or party booths are allowed within 100 metres. Candidate “camps” are limited to one table and two chairs with no flags or food distribution.

Mobile Phone Storage: While phones are prohibited inside the booth, most urban stations in TN have now implemented “Pigeon Hole” storage facilities at the entrance where you can safely deposit your device.

The 3-Hour AI Rule: The ECI’s 2026 “Deepfake Taskforce” is active. Any unlawful AI content reported via social media will be taken down or flagged within a 3-hour window.

(d) The “Model” & Special Polling Booths

Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik has confirmed 75,064 polling booths across 33,133 locations.

Climate Control: To combat the April heat, model booths feature mist-cooling fans and drinking water stations.

Inclusive Transportation: NGOs and the ECI have deployed specialized vehicles with hydraulic lifts in Chennai and Madurai to assist senior citizens and PwDs in reaching the booths.

Pink & Saksham Booths: Over 300 “Pink Booths” (women-managed) and 70+ “Saksham Booths” (PwD-managed) are operational to promote a comfortable environment.

Colour Coding: Colour coding is being implemented in the polling booths in the city to assist voters at locations where more than 10 polling stations are situated within a single polling station campus. In all 16 Assembly constituencies in the district, work is under way to install signages, guiding voters to their respective polling stations through designated coloured paths. Signboards indicating colour-coded routes will be placed to assist voters on polling day, officials added.

(e) Technology at Your Fingertips:

cVIGIL App: Take a photo of any violation (cash distribution, illegal banners) and upload it. The ECI guarantees a response within 100 minutes.

Voter Helpline App: Use the “Search by Details” feature to find your Serial Number and Part Number instantly—no need to wait at party booths for paper slips.

Paid Holiday: It is your right. All employees, including those in the IT corridor (OMR) and manufacturing hubs, are entitled to a paid holiday today under the RP Act.

By Naveen

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