Democracy QR: How to use QR codes in local government

QR codes can go a long way in government facilities by streamlining bureaucratic processes and providing an overall simpler experience to guests, patrons, donors, and constituents. They can be used on posters, fliers, mailers, billboards, or any sort of public notice in order to provide citizens with a quick way to access resources and information that may not fit on a single piece of paper. 

Codes can also provide constituents with a direct contact line to their representatives. Many citizens believe that, once their vote is cast, that their role in government affairs is done. 

However, most elected officials provide phone numbers, emails, addresses, and other means of contacting them to make sure your voice is heard even after elections. QR codes can provide citizens with a quick and easy way to get in contact with their representatives through a simple scan, no need to write down or remember a phone number. 

Other ways local governments can use QR codes include: 

• Public events: Information on community get-togethers like meetings or festivals. 
• Meetings and appointments: Sign up and check in for government services, like at a DMV or city hall. 
• Educational content: Providing information on historical sites and events in town. 
• Instructions: How-to guides on using public resources. 
• Public health information: Keep citizens informed about potential virus outbreaks or medical concerns. 
• Voter registration: Easy way for citizens to make sure they’re properly registered to vote.

And more!

QR codes can also be used by local governments in order to save paper. Since codes can be as small as a postage stamp, you can use less paper, thus saving money and reducing the amount of litter in your community.  

Step 1: Copy the website URL. 

Step 2: In QR Code Developer, click on Create Code. 

Step 3: On the next page, select the Website option. 

Step 4: Name your code and paste the URL into the bar.

Optional: To further edit the appearance of your code, click on the pencil icon next in the Preview bar. 

Step 5: Click Generate.

Step 6: Test code on multiple devices.

• Know your audience: If you’re certain that most of your patrons don’t know how to use QR codes or just don’t like them, then don’t use them. 

• Keep instructions clear: Provide clear instructions on how to use and scan QR codes as well as where the codes will redirect to. 

• Place codes on a flat surface: To make sure that codes are still scannable, only put them on flat surfaces, like walls, tables, posters, or fliers. 

• Use high contrast: If using custom colors on a code, make sure that the colors are distinct enough from each other to be read as a QR code. 

• Make sure codes are visible: Don’t place codes where patrons are unlikely to see them. 

• Only use codes when necessary: If an alternative exists that’s easier for all parties involved, use that. 

• Test on multiple devices: Make sure your codes work whether scanned on an Android device, iPhone, tablet, or other device.  

With the tools available on QR Code Developer, as well as other code generators, you can monitor the usage of any code you create. This can include how many times a code has been scanned, where it has been scanned, on what device, using what browser, and more. With these tools, you can figure out which codes are reaching the most people and where to focus any advertising efforts. 

With QRCodeveloper you can monitor:

• Number of scans
• Number of scans by operating system
• Scans by browser
• Scans by country
• Scans by city
• Scans by language
• Unique scans

No matter the size of the area, any sort of government has lots of moving parts and processes that can be difficult for the average citizen to understand. Whether it’s a town, city, county, or even a state, citizens should be able to engage with and participate with their governments with ease. 

By integrating QR codes in some of these processes, you can make sure that the voices of all your citizens are heard, regardless of technical skill, and that it’s easier for them to engage with you and vice versa. Get started today with the free tools available from QR Code Developer and see just how easy it is to improve relations with your constituents and make their lives easier!