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NCSL conducts policy research in areas ranging from agriculture and budget and tax issues to education and health care to immigration and transportation. NCSL’s experts are here to answer your questions and give you unbiased, comprehensive information as soon as you need it on issues facing state legislatures. We answer more than 20,000 requests for information a year. 

The conference's consulting services on policy issues go beyond testifying. NCSL helps draft bills, organize workshops and convene legislative-executive teams. NCSL staff are prepared to visit your state to work with legislators and staff on almost any public policy issue or issue related to the management of a legislature. Contact your state’s liaison to schedule a briefing or to learn more.

Latest Research Resources

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Reading Room

The Reading room is a feature of NCSL’s Capitol to Capitol and includes recent reports of interest to those working in state government.
State-Federal

2024 State Primary Election Dates

This page provides state primary and presidential election dates for 2024 when legislative, congressional, gubernatorial, statewide office and presidential primary contests will be on the ballots in 46 states.
Elections
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Paperwork Requirements to Run for the State Legislature

Every state requires candidates for office to file paperwork notifying the state that the filer intends to run and is completing or has completed the necessary steps to have their name placed on the ballot. The paperwork also notifies the state campaign finance regulator that the new candidate will be submitting finance reports.
Elections
Table

Petition Requirements to Run for the State Legislature

Every state except Alaska has a petition process to get on the ballot. Some states require all candidates to submit petitions, some states allow petitions instead of filing fees, and some only require petitions for candidates running as minor party, independent or unaffiliated candidates.
Elections
Table
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