Chennai

Even as temperatures across Tamil Nadu remained 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal this April, voters turned out steadily on Thursday for the Assembly elections, showing strong commitment to the democratic process.

The state recorded brisk early polling, with turnout nearing 38 per cent by 11 am as many people chose to vote before the afternoon heat intensified. In several areas, humidity made the morning temperature of around 30°C feel closer to 39°C. Despite this, cities such as Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai reported steady voter participation.

Many voters, especially those from economically weaker and marginalised communities, said civic duty outweighed discomfort caused by the heat. In Karur, bead sellers and daily wage earners were seen travelling considerable distances to reach polling booths.

At a polling station in Vettaikaran Pudur, Meena from the traditionally nomadic Narikurravar community stood in line with her child to vote. She said her family hoped continued participation in elections would help secure housing and better education opportunities.

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To cope with the unusually warm weather, polling stations arranged shaded waiting areas and drinking water facilities. Political parties had also shifted much of their campaign activity to evening hours in recent days to avoid peak daytime temperatures between 11 am and 4 pm.