Voting in Tamil Nadu

Who Can Vote in Tamil Nadu?

Any Indian citizen who meets the following criteria is eligible to register as a voter and cast a vote in Tamil Nadu:

• Indian citizen
• Has completed 18 years of age on the qualifying date (1 January, 1 April, 1 July, or 1 October of the year of registration)
• Ordinarily resident in the constituency for which they wish to register
• Not disqualified under any law (for example, certain criminal convictions)

Non-resident Indians (NRIs) who are Indian citizens may also register but must vote in person at the polling station of their constituency in India.

Registering as a Voter

You must be registered on the electoral roll for your constituency in order to vote. Three forms govern voter registration:

All three forms can be filed online at voters.eci.gov.in or via the Voter Helpline app. You can also visit the office of the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) for your constituency. Documents required typically include proof of age (birth certificate, passport, school leaving certificate), proof of residence (Aadhaar, utility bill, ration card), and a recent passport-sized photograph.

Application windows for each election close well before polling day. To ensure your name is on the rolls for any upcoming election, apply at least a few months in advance.

Verifying Your Name on the Voter Rolls

Before any election, confirm that your name is on the electoral roll. This is the single most important pre-poll check, and missing names are a common cause of being unable to vote.

Accepted ID Documents

The Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC, commonly called the Voter ID) is the primary document. If you do not have your EPIC card, the Election Commission accepts a range of alternative documents (carry the original, not a photocopy):

The list of accepted documents is set by the Election Commission of India and may be updated for each election. Confirm the current list on eci.gov.in or ceo.tn.gov.in.

The Polling Process Step by Step

1. Show your ID at the entrance and join the queue. Separate queues are usually maintained for men, women, and senior citizens / persons with disabilities.
2. At the first polling officer, your name on the rolls is verified and your ID is checked.
3. The second polling officer applies indelible ink to your left index finger.
4. The third polling officer issues a slip and notes your serial number.
5. You proceed to the voting compartment and press the button on the EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) next to the candidate of your choice, or NOTA if you do not wish to vote for any candidate.
6. A paper slip is generated and visible for seven seconds in the VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) machine attached to the EVM, allowing you to verify your vote was recorded correctly.
7. A short beep confirms your vote has been registered. You are done.

The entire process inside the booth typically takes 1 to 3 minutes. Wait times in queue vary by polling station and time of day.

What to Carry and What to Leave Behind

Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities

The Election Commission of India provides several accommodations for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PwD voters):

• Wheelchair access and accessibility ramps at polling stations
• Separate priority queue for senior citizens and PwD voters
• Volunteer assistance available on request
• EVMs include Braille markings to assist visually impaired voters
• Postal ballot facility for senior citizens above 80 years and PwD voters (subject to prior application before the cutoff date)

Polling Day in Chennai

A few practical things to expect across the city on any polling day:

• Public holiday: Polling day is a paid holiday for all employees who are eligible to vote, under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. This applies across shops, factories, offices, and other establishments.
• Dry day: The sale of liquor is prohibited for 48 hours before polling closes (Section 135C of the same Act). Bars, wine shops, and TASMAC outlets remain closed.
• Heightened security: Expect increased police presence, traffic restrictions near polling stations, and Model Code of Conduct enforcement across the city.
• Cash-carrying limits: The Election Commission monitors cash movement during the election period. Carrying large amounts of cash without supporting documentation can lead to questioning by enforcement teams.
• Schools and colleges: Many polling stations are set up inside schools, which remain closed on polling day.
• Public transport and traffic: Chennai Metro, MTC buses, and suburban trains operate on regular schedules unless otherwise notified. Traffic near polling stations may be diverted.

Your Rights as a Voter

• The right to a secret ballot. No one can demand to know how you voted.
• The right to vote NOTA (None of the Above) if you do not wish to vote for any candidate.
• The right to a paid holiday on polling day if you are a registered voter.
• The right to assistance at the polling station if you are a senior citizen, pregnant, or have a disability.
• The right to cast a tendered ballot if your name is on the rolls but someone has already voted in your name (raise this with the Presiding Officer at the booth).
• The right to report any irregularity, voter intimidation, bribery, or Model Code violation to the Election Commission via the cVIGIL app, voter helpline 1950, or the Returning Officer.

Reporting Violations and Getting Help

Official Resources

All official information should be verified at these sources:

Related Pages on Chennaites

Frequently Asked Questions