For the sake of standardized input, I have changed the
State field in Leads, Accounts, and Contacts to be a
picklist instead of the standard text field. However,
when I try to import a lead, the state values that I am
importing aren't being recognized as the same characters
as what's in the picklist. Is there a way to have the
picklist match on character instead of numeric value on
import?

Erin

During import you should have a translation step come up
that will match source data to CRM value. This screen is
three or four into the wizard.

Good luck!