A Salina City Commission candidate named Trent Davis has taken a unique approach to connect with voters during campaign season. Instead of traditional campaign signs with his name, Davis has placed signs featuring only a scannable QR code in yards around the city. When scanned by a smartphone, the QR code directs the scanner to a survey paid for by the Davis campaign. The survey asks voters to rank five important issues in the City of Salina and provides Davis with valuable information about the views and priorities of the electorate.
The idea for the QR code signs came from a discussion between Davis, his campaign supporter Phil Black, and a University of Kansas student named Luke Stanford. Black, who has experience running for and being elected to local political offices in Salina, saw the potential of this unique campaign strategy. By incorporating QR codes into his campaign signage, Davis is offering voters more ways to engage with his campaign beyond traditional methods. This innovative approach has garnered attention and positive feedback from individuals on social media.
Davis believes that the inclusion of QR codes on his signs demonstrates the willingness of people in central Kansas to embrace and engage with technological advancements. While not everyone may be able to scan the codes while driving, they still draw attention from passersby, giving them an opportunity to stop and scan the code. Davis hopes that this survey will provide him with a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives and concerns within the community, as he believes that listening to people’s opinions is just as valuable, if not more so, than talking.
By using these QR code signs and gathering input from a wide range of Salina residents, Davis aims to make informed decisions that represent and prioritize the needs and interests of the community he serves.
