The Electoral Commission (EC) has commenced the nationwide issuance of Voter Location Slips (VLS) in preparation for the 2026 General Elections, aiming to enhance voter access and strengthen the integrity of the electoral process.
The VLS is designed to help voters easily identify their polling stations and verify registration details before polling day. Each slip includes the voter’s photograph, full names, date of birth, and detailed polling location information such as district or city, constituency, sub-county, parish, and polling station.
Each VLS also carries a unique barcode to be scanned by Biometric Voter Verification (BVV) machines on polling day to confirm voter identity.
Distribution began on December, 15 2025 and will continue until January,13, 2026, with slips issued at parish and ward levels. Voters must collect their slips in person from Parish or Ward Supervisors, who are Electoral Commission staff. The slips are free of charge and intended solely for the rightful voter.
The VLS will be used across all four election cycles in 2026, including presidential, parliamentary, district, municipal, and sub-county elections. To reinforce the process, the EC has procured 109,142 Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVK) using fingerprint and facial recognition technology to verify voters at polling stations.
EC Chairperson Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon said the technology will safeguard 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 same day, the Commission conducted a public demonstration of the BVVK to familiarize stakeholders with polling-day procedures and the use of biometric and facial recognition technology.
Byabakama emphasized that the demonstration aims to promote public understanding of how technology enhances election credibility, integrity, and efficiency while preventing impersonation and electoral malpractice.
The Electoral Commission has urged all registered voters to collect their Voter Location Slips early to avoid delays and ensure smooth participation in the 2026 General Elections.
