2016 polling figure in TN is lower than that of 2011 elections

Chennai: Tamil Nadu recorded an overall voter turnout of 74.26 per cent in elections held for 232 Assembly constituencies on Monday with more women voting than men. In 2011 Assembly polls, the figures were 78.12 per cent and 73.85 per cent in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The 2016 figure is lower than the 2011 polling by 3.86 per cent.

Out of the total 234 constituencies, polling was held in 232 barring Aravakurichi and Thanjavur constituencies where voting has been postponed over alleged illegal activities of candidates and parties involving distribution of inducements including money and gifts.

In the 232 constituencies, the total number of voters were 5,77,33,574 and out of them 4,28,73,674 exercised their franchise which is 74.26 per cent, state Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni said in a tweet on Tuesday. The Election Commission's tentative figures on Monday put the turnout at 73.76 per cent.

Interestingly 2,16,28,807 women voted, while the number of men who cast their franchise was lower at 2,12,44,129.

Counting of votes will be taken up on May 19, 2016. Polling in Aravakurichi and Thanjavur will take place on May 23 and the counting of votes on May 25.

Repolling has been recommended at a polling booth in Tenkasi constituency, acording to an Election Commission official.