Guide to QR Codes for Elections

Election campaigns and digital technology go hand in hand. In a vastly online world, finding unique marketing strategies that blend personal touches and ease-of-use can help you stand out and spread your message. QR codes are an increasingly popular method for sharing information, and there are many ways you can leverage these tools to connect with your audience and gain support. Learn more about this tactic in our guide to QR codes for elections. 

What Are QR Codes and How Do They Work?

QR codes, also known as quick response codes, are popular tools for sending information to users quickly. Many people recognize QR codes in settings like restaurants, where teams can direct guests to an online menu rather than using paper at the table. However, QR codes have a place in many industries, including the online election voting landscape. 

A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned by a smartphone camera or another device. Once scanned, instead of taking a picture, the phone recognizes the code and displays a link as a button or notification on the screen. When you tap the link, it opens a web page, app, or other digital content on your phone’s browser. This functionality makes accessing information fast and easy.

When it comes to using QR codes for voting, these tools can streamline the process and ensure voters have essential information regarding elections and campaigns. For example, users can scan QR codes to review voting guidelines, read candidate statements, instantly access their ballot, and more.

How Can QR Code Voting Boost a Campaign?

QR codes can create a more organized election process, but they also deliver another significant benefit — boosting campaigns. This campaign strategy is a great way to reduce confusion, connect with voters, and encourage more people to participate.

By leveraging QR codes, you can achieve: 

1. Faster Ballot Access

Getting more people to vote often starts with making the process easier and more convenient. For some, accessing their ballot can feel like a hassle, especially if they have to navigate through multiple login steps or remember passwords. This can discourage participation.

QR codes offer a solution by providing voters with immediate, direct access to their ballot. Each code is unique to the voter, eliminating the need to log in or manually type a URL. This streamlined approach not only reduces errors but also encourages more people to engage in the election process by making it as simple as scanning and voting.

2. Enhanced Transparency

Many people are concerned about the integrity of elections. People want to feel that their votes matter and that they have a direct hand in shaping their environment. Enhancing election transparency is an excellent way to assure voters and increase their confidence in you. 

For example, you can use QR codes to deliver information regarding voter status and voting receipts so each person knows whether they’ve properly submitted a ballot. You could also consider providing real-time statistics to allow voters to see how an election is progressing after they have cast a vote. 

3. Mobile Optimization

QR codes are a digital solution featuring unique designs to target and please mobile users. Using this campaign strategy empowers voters to access files, online content, and documents whenever it’s convenient for them to do so. Clear instructions and direct links can prevent people from getting lost throughout the process, boosting participation levels. 

Using a Voting QR Code for Increased Voter Engagement

Voting via QR code is an accessible and convenient way to boost voter participation and engagement. QR code voting systems empower you to connect with voters at the right time and spread essential information regarding your campaign to the people who matter most in your efforts. QR code voting enables you to enhance voter engagement by: 

• Stay on voters’ minds: In our modern digital world, finding ways to connect with voters multiple times and in multiple ways is crucial. QR codes are a convenient way to spread information and connect with voters more frequently. Pairing this marketing tactic alongside other social strategies like sending emails, making social media accounts, posting website announcements, and sending direct mail gives you one more tool in your back pocket. 
• Ensure security: Security is often a primary concern regarding voting. Voters expect an honest election, and fear of tampering can impact someone’s commitment to voting. By leveraging cybersecurity best practices and sharing your security measures with voters, you can provide peace of mind and confidence. Using strong passwords, training your team on cybersecurity practices, and implementing encryption in online voting can assure voters that you hear their voices and are making changes based on their needs and wants. 
• Incentivizing participation: QR codes are also an excellent way to implement incentives into your campaign. Rather than penalizing those who do not vote, offer rewards to those who do. You can offer discounts, raffle entries, tickets to local events, gift cards, or another type of prize for those who register to vote and complete the appropriate actions. Showing your appreciation for your voters and recognizing their efforts can encourage more voters to participate and strengthen your relationship with them. 

How to Use a QR Code Voting System in Your Next Election

Beyond submitting electoral votes, QR systems empower you to seek unique campaign actions. Regardless of your mission or election competition, you can leverage this technology to accomplish and empower: 

• Fundraising: QR codes can make it more accessible for voters to submit donations or monitor your progress. You can print QR codes on materials you plan to post at rallies, inside event venues, or on television ads. Voters can skip the step of remembering and typing in a URL, making a convenient way to share your message and raise support.
• Voter interaction: Getting to know your audience is a critical aspect of any election. Although you can acquire voter files to understand your pool, tracking responses with polls and surveys can be a much more efficient way to interact with your audience. Use QR codes to get voters’ thoughts and opinions on upcoming changes, what they want to see, how they view your goals, and whether you should prioritize one effort over another. 
• Voter registration: As we mentioned earlier, another significant benefit of using QR codes for voting is empowering simple and efficient voter registrations. By using QR codes to navigate this process, you can streamline voter responsibilities and encourage more people to become voters. 
• Information sharing: The power of QR codes expands past voting capabilities. You can use this tool to spread information regarding upcoming events, policy updates, and more. Create videos so voters get to know you better or send information regarding company changes that will impact your team. 
• Text messaging: You can also enable voters to enroll in SMS text messaging by scanning your QR code. Utilizing multiple marketing tactics can expand your reach and increase the chances of connecting to more voters in meaningful ways. 

Choose the Right Online Voting QR System

When you want to create a seamless online voting experience, trust Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to help you implement the right solution. SBS proudly serves a broad array of associations, organizations, and groups by delivering industry-specific voting solutions. By providing the highest level of security, utilizing proven election methods, and dedicating a specific manager to your project, we feel confident that we can help you find the right solution. Contact SBS to learn more about our voting solutions or to find out what we can do for you.