Beginning with a special election next month, Polk County will be among the first in the nation to use QR codes to report unofficial voting results, Auditor Jamie Fitzgerald tells Axios.

Why it matters: The new system will be more secure with voting results and expedite reporting on election nights, Fitzgerald said.

Driving the news: Polk County's new system is part of a $2.2 million equipment upgrade that includes new voting machines.

• Precinct officials will now use QR codes generated by the system to upload election night results and transfer them to election officials.
• The system eliminates Polk County's use of modems, which security officials have discouraged for years because they can be more vulnerable to hacks.

State of play: The Iowa Board of Voting Equipment Examiners met about six months ago to inspect and approve Polk's new system, Iowa Secretary of State (SOS) spokesperson Ashley Hunt tells Axios.

• Independent testing that was part of the examiners' approval process confirmed the system does not change how ballots are counted and provides a more secure way to report results, she said.

Flashback: Some Iowa counties use modems, which connect to cellular systems at the end of election night to transfer unofficial results to county election officials, SOS officials have previously said.

Yes, but: Though the modems were reliable and connected only briefly to online systems, the SOS has nonetheless encouraged eliminating them, Fitzgerald noted in a presentation to supervisors last month.

Zoom in: The QR codes can be used only once per precinct and will help expedite election night reporting, because they are faster and more convenient to use than modems, Fitzgerald said.

• The system still uses paper ballots, which are preserved and can be used to verify outcomes, he said.

What's next: The special election is March 4 for voters in the Dallas Center-Grimes, North Polk, and Saydel school districts to decide building and financial matters.

Share this story

There's a new local plant shop to check out for Valentine's Day gifts.

Driving the news: The Trendy Gardener recently moved from West Des Moines to the second level of the 1201 Keo Building in Des Moines, which also houses Northern Vessel.

How it started: Founder Hunter Frescoln's plant passion began nearly a decade ago after he bought and almost killed a plant from Art Terrarium.

• Nursing it back to health "sparked" something in him, Frescoln tells Axios.
• His hobby grew to "hoarding," and after selling plants on Facebook Marketplace and pop-ups around town, Frescoln started his own business, the Trendy Gardener, in 2022.

State of play: Along with his storefront, Frescoln is known for "plantscaping" in homes and businesses, as well as renting out plants for people wanting to incorporate more greenery into their spaces.

The intrigue: The latest trend he's creating for clients are "preserved moss walls," which add real moss to living spaces.

• The Trendy Gardener is also selling real preserved roses, which don't die or require maintenance.

If you go: Open 10am-6pm daily; 1201 Keosauqua Way, #205, Des Moines.

Share this with a plant fiend

The Red Bull Soapbox returns to the grounds of the Iowa Capitol on May 31, organizers announced this morning.

Flashback: The event, promoted as "the world's wildest downhill" competition, first came here in 2022.

• Axios DSM was in the race!

What's next: This year's application process is open through March 31.

💰 The Des Moines City Council has approved a preliminary $1 million award from a federal grant to the nonprofit Starts Right Here. The funding will help convert the former Hope Elim Church at 525 E. 9th St. into an 18-unit housing project for homeless youth.

• The Iowa Finance Authority also allocated $3.6 million to the project last month.

🍗 Get a three-course meal for $20 with no tipping required. The catch? It's in a retirement home — but all are welcome. (Wini Moranville)

💸 Iowa now has its own Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) task force. (KCCI)

👷 Wallace State Office Building would be torn down under a bill introduced by Gov. Kim Reynolds. (Radio Iowa)

It's Valentine's Week! Whether you're celebrating with a special someone or going the "Palentine's" route, here's a few unique ideas for this weekend.

💖 For the Taylor Swift lover: The Station is hosting a "Taylor Week" pop-up inside Dugan's Hideaway, including themed cocktails, a photo booth, look-alike-contest and special decor. Plus: There's Taylor Swift karaoke! | Friday, Saturday 5pm to midnight and karaoke on Sunday at 7pm | Free!

😋 For the crafty person: Tangerine Food Company is serving cocktails and food, along with glass-blowing demonstrations at Mainframe Studios. | Friday, 5-7:30pm. | Tickets: $37.

🧋 For your boba buddy: If you want to deliver a unique gift, Zenko Tea is offering bubble tea and a flower bouquet on Friday. | Pre-orders start at $25.

🥶 For something unique: Compete in goofy winter challenges during Shiver on the River at Captain Roy's, including frozen turkey bowling and beer cooler curling. | Saturday, 10am-10pm | Starts at $20, pre-register for events on Friday.

Share this with your valentine