Coffee chats, election tours, and policy projects: my summer with the National Conference of State Legislatures

Alonzia Quinn (she/her)
Hometown: Waterloo, IA
Major: Political Science ‘26
Internship: National Conference of State Legislatures

Alonzia Quinn reflects on her summer experience interning at NCSL

Interning with the Elections and Redistricting team for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) in Denver this summer has been nothing short of amazing! I have improved my research, networking, and communication skills, all while learning from a team of incredible mentors. 

Moments from this summer that particularly stand out include attending multiple coffee chats with members of different teams, such as the Civil and Criminal Justice team and the Legislative Staff Services team. These discussions provided valuable insights into their specific roles, career paths, and what led them to NCSL. Another memorable experience was a trip to Boulder, Colorado, where I toured the Native American Rights Fund with my supervisor, Helen, and director, Wendy. The tour was followed by a delightful lunch where we discussed our organizations and gained a deeper appreciation for each other's work. Also, I had the opportunity to tour the Arapahoe County Elections Office with the Elections team. This visit was incredibly informative, as I learned so much about ballot drop boxes, mail-in voting, election security, and the various roles involved in maintaining the integrity of elections. 

Currently, I am working on three key projects: tagging entries in the ethics database, creating a policy memo on a contentious topic, and developing a webpage focused on voter challenges. This webpage project involves conducting detailed statutory research across all U.S. states and territories, and it has been incredibly enjoyable and an invaluable learning experience. The webpage will provide crucial information on the process of challenging a voter at the polls during registration or when an absentee ballot is filed. The page will highlight who is authorized to issue a challenge, and the steps a voter can take if challenged. This resource will not only benefit voters but also legislators and legislative staff, offering them valuable data to make informed decisions for their states. 

Throughout my internship, I have developed several meaningful relationships that have significantly enriched my experience. My relationship with my supervisor, Helen, has been particularly impactful. We have maintained constant communication about expectations and areas for improvement, which has greatly facilitated my learning and growth. Helen has also introduced me to many individuals within NCSL, most of whom have attended law school which I plan to do also. Their insights and guidance have been invaluable, and I am confident that the knowledge I have gained will be of benefit to my future career. Additionally, the entire Elections team has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. They have shared their expertise in various areas such as elections administration, ethics, and AI, which has broadened my understanding of the field. 

Overall, I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. It has not only enriched my skills working in a nonpartisan research setting but also deepened my appreciation for the field of elections, which I am eager to pursue in future endeavors. Thank you to NCSL and the Bill Lane Center!