The Electoral Commission (EC) has rolled out the nationwide distribution of Voter Location Slips (VLS) as part of preparations for the 2026 General Elections, a move aimed at improving voter access and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
The slips are intended to help registered voters confirm their polling stations and verify personal registration details well ahead of polling day. Each VLS contains the voter’s photograph, full names, date of birth, and detailed polling location information, including district or city, constituency, sub-county, parish, and specific polling station.
To strengthen voter verification, each slip bears a unique barcode that will be scanned by Biometric Voter Verification (BVV) machines at polling stations to confirm voter identity.
Distribution began on December 15, 2025, and will run until January 13, 2026. Voters are required to collect the slips in person from Parish or Ward Supervisors, who are Electoral Commission staff. The EC has emphasized that the slips are issued free of charge and are meant strictly for the registered voter.
According to the Commission, the Voter Location Slips will be used across all four election cycles scheduled for 2026, including presidential, parliamentary, district, municipal, and sub-county elections.
In support of the process, the EC has procured 109,142 Biometric Voter Verification Kits equipped with fingerprint and facial recognition technology. EC Chairperson Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon said the technology is intended to prevent electoral fraud and strengthen confidence in the voting process.
“The system ensures that only registered voters participate in the elections and prevents multiple voting by the same person, upholding the One-Man/Woman-One Vote principle,” Byabakama said.
On the launch day, the Commission also conducted a public demonstration of the Biometric Voter Verification Kits to familiarize stakeholders with polling-day procedures. Byabakama said the exercise was aimed at increasing public awareness of how technology can enhance election credibility, efficiency, and transparency while curbing impersonation and other electoral malpractices.
The Electoral Commission has urged all registered voters to collect their Voter Location Slips early to avoid last-minute inconveniences and ensure smooth participation in the 2026 General Elections.
