Parliamentary Commissioner, Harrison Thompson hosted a press event on Monday where he announced the opening of satellite verification centers across New Providence ahead of the next general election.
Thompson told reporters, “it gives voters an opportunity to confirm their existing information, correct any discrepancies and if they choose allow for their biometric date to be securely transferred from their passport to the voter register. When a voter arrives at the verification station w encourage them to present a valid Bahamian passport. If a passport is not available their current voters card will be accepted. Voters will then be asked a few simple questions to verify their identity and citizenship.”
The Parliamentary Commissioner assured citizens that any biometric data collected is secure will only be used for voter verification purposes. He said, “there will also be a paper backup of the register maintained to ensure that no disruptions occur during election operations. “
Thompson also sought to dispel misinformation about the process. “Let me taking a moment to speak directly to that. No one, and I repeat, no one will be removed from the register or denied the right to vote based on whether they agree to provide biometric data.”
Verification centers opened to the public on Tuesday, October 14th from 5:30pm – 8:30pm. New voters cards are set to be issued in January 2026.
