How do QR codes enhance the election experience?

QR codes enhance elections by creating instant, frictionless access to digital ballots. Voters simply scan the code with their smartphone to be directed immediately to their personalized ballot or authentication page. This eliminates the need to manually type long URLs or remember login credentials, reducing abandonment rates. QR codes can be placed on physical materials like postcards, annual meeting materials, signage, or member publications, creating seamless connections between offline communications and online voting.

Are QR codes secure for election access?

Yes, when implemented correctly, QR codes are a secure access method for elections. SBS employs multiple security measures: each code can be uniquely generated for individual voters with encrypted authentication data; codes can be set to expire after use or specific timeframes; they can require additional verification steps after scanning; and all access attempts are logged for security auditing. The QR code itself contains no sensitive information, only a secure redirect to our authentication system.

How much can QR codes increase election participation?

Organizations implementing QR codes as part of their election access strategy typically see participation increases of 15-25% compared to traditional methods alone. This boost comes from removing friction in the voting process, especially for mobile users. QR codes are particularly effective for reaching younger demographics and technology-comfortable voters who appreciate the convenience. When combined with other engagement strategies like embedded login links or participation reminders, the cumulative participation increase can be even more significant.

How are QR codes typically implemented in election materials?

QR codes are versatile and can be implemented across various election materials: on direct mail notices and reminders; in printed newsletters or member publications; on annual meeting materials and event signage; on membership cards or statements; in email communications as an alternative access method; and on digital displays at in-person events. Each implementation is customized with your organization's branding, appropriate instructions for scanning, and can include tracking parameters to measure effectiveness across different distribution channels.

Can QR codes be customized with our organization's branding?

Absolutely. SBS offers extensive customization options for QR codes, including incorporating your logo in the center of the code, using your brand colors, adding branded frames or calls-to-action around the code, and even creating design elements that integrate the code creatively into your materials. All customized codes undergo rigorous testing to ensure optimal scanability across device types. The design balances visual branding with technical reliability to create codes that are both distinctive and functional.

How do you track the effectiveness of QR codes in elections?

Our platform provides comprehensive analytics on QR code performance. You'll receive detailed metrics including scan rates, conversion rates (scans that resulted in completed ballots), geographic data on where codes were scanned, device types used, time-of-day patterns, and comparative performance across different distribution methods. Each code can contain unique tracking parameters, allowing you to measure the effectiveness of different communication channels. These insights help optimize your strategy for future elections.

How do QR codes work for hybrid or in-person election events?

For hybrid or in-person events, QR codes create a bridge between physical and digital voting experiences. At annual meetings or member events, prominently displayed QR codes allow attendees to instantly access ballots on their personal devices, eliminating the need for physical voting stations or paper ballots. This approach reduces wait times, minimizes staffing requirements, and provides immediate digital tabulation. The codes can be displayed on presentation slides, printed materials, or dedicated signage throughout the venue, with staff available to assist those needing help scanning.

QR Code Voting

What Can QR Codes Do for Elections?

QR codes can significantly improve several aspects of your election, from voter participation to ballot security. When you partner with SBS, you can easily incorporate QR codes on a variety of personalized election materials, including the following:

Postcards

Fliers

Posters

Envelopes

Mail-in ballots

Voter information sheets

These two-dimensional barcodes direct individuals right to your voting webpage. Voters simply need to scan the code with their mobile device to gain instant access to their ballot. You can also link to helpful information about candidates, voter registration forms, or ballots.

a woman is holding a cell phone with a qr code on it

The Benefits of Using QR Codes for Elections

Utilizing QR codes in your election process enables your organization and members to experience benefits such as:

Greater convenience: Many individuals have smartphones and mobile devices capable of quickly scanning QR codes, making QR codes a convenient addition to your election materials.

Increased participation: You can maximize voter turnout by offering quick and easy voting options that appeal to your members. QR codes invite them to take action immediately.

Improved election speed: QR codes help simplify and speed up your election by reducing the workload for administrative staff, streamlining login processes for your voters, and allowing voters to submit their ballots instantly.

Enhanced experiences: You can generate better experiences for your members and your team with convenient QR codes that save time and energy.

Reduced errors: With a clear QR code, your organization can reduce errors due to misread handwriting, forgotten passwords, or incorrect URLs.

Tighter security: QR codes can promote security by helping you streamline voter registration and control access to your polls and elections.

Better perceptions: Improving accessibility to voting and essential information can positively influence how members perceive your organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Basics

What is QR code voting?

QR code voting uses scannable barcodes on physical election materials to provide instant access to a digital ballot. Each QR code is unique to the individual voter, ensuring they are directed to their specific ballot. Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) provides these personalized codes to help members transition seamlessly from physical mail to a secure online voting environment.

Why should an organization use QR codes for an election?

QR Codes simplify the process by removing the need for members to manually type long URLs or search for the voting site. We implement them to increase participation by making voting more convenient for smartphone users.

How do members use a QR code to vote?

A member simply opens their smartphone camera and scans the code found on their election materials. The voter is then either directly to their personalized ballot or to related election information.

Key Features

Where can these codes be printed?

QR codes can be incorporated into a variety of election resources, including posters, flyers, magazines, and traditional mail-in ballots. SBS uses these placements to ensure members have multiple "entry points" to the election.

Can QR codes be used for onsite or drive-thru elections?

Yes. QR codes are a highly effective tool for onsite voting and drive-thru events. SBS offers these to allow members to cast their ballots quickly and securely from their own devices while at a physical meeting location.

Do the codes require manual login credentials?

No. We can generate unique QR codes with embedded login information. When scanned, these codes take the member directly to their ballot without requiring them to remember a username or password.

Are these codes compatible with all mobile devices?

Yes. Any smartphone or tablet with a camera can scan these codes. We design the voting experience to be mobile-responsive, ensuring it works perfectly on whatever device the member chooses to use.

Security & Compliance

Is voting via a QR code secure?

Yes. Every QR code generated are unique to the individual voter. This ensures that only the intended recipient can access their ballot, maintaining the "one member, one vote" integrity of the election.

How is member data protected during the scan?

SBS utilizes advanced TLS encryption and is SOC 2 compliant. These protocols ensure that when a member scans a QR code, their data and login session remain private and protected from unauthorized access.