The Voter Education Project (VEP) began in 1962 as part of the Southern Regional Council. Initially VEP granted funds to civil rights organizations to support voter education, voter registration drives, and voting-related research. In 1964, Vernon Jordan, the second executive director of the VEP, expanded the programs goals to include citizenship training, voter education, and leadership training in the southern United States, while continuing to provide funds to independent voter and civil rights groups, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and the League of Women Voters. The VEP’s work with the League of Women Voters is highlighted in the materials below. In 1971, VEP under the leadership of John Lewis, became an independent organization and functioned as a research center and became known as an authoritative source for statistics on southern elections and voter registration in general. Lewis also forged the VEP into an activist organization, launching Voter Mobilization Tours with Georgia state legislator and civil rights advocate Julian Bond. At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
Sep 4, 2020

Voter Education Project Organizational Records

The Voter Education Project (VEP) began in 1962 as part of the Southern Regional Council. Initially VEP granted funds to civil rights organizations to support voter education, voter registration drives, and voting-related research. In 1964, Vernon Jordan, the second executive director of the VEP, expanded the programs goals to include citizenship training, voter education, and leadership training in the southern United States, while continuing to provide funds to independent voter and civil rights groups, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and the League of Women Voters. The VEP’s work with the League of Women Voters is highlighted in the materials below. In 1971, VEP under the leadership of John Lewis, became an independent organization and functioned as a research center and became known as an authoritative source for statistics on southern elections and voter registration in general. Lewis also forged the VEP into an activist organization, launching Voter Mobilization Tours with Georgia state legislator and civil rights advocate Julian Bond.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
179 Objects displayed
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  3. Voter Education Project Organizational Records
For:
  • Decade = 1960-1969
  • Subjects = Voting
A newspaper clipping describing the election of Charles Evers and an accompanying statement given by Marvin Wall. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"New Black Hope for a Town in Mississippi", July 5, 1969
Date Created
1969--07-05
Description
A newspaper clipping describing the election of Charles Evers and an accompanying statement given by Marvin Wall. 2 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A short history and activities conducted by the VEP. 9 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"A Statement on the Voter Education Project of the Southern Regional Council, Inc.", June 14, 1969
Date Created
1969-06-14
Description
A short history and activities conducted by the VEP. 9 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civil rights workers, Voter registration, Voting, African Americans--Civil rights, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence and accompanying news articles describing voter registrations drives, and Atlanta's young politicians. 8 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence from Billie Pfiffner to Vernon Jordan, May 4, 1969
Date Created
1969--05-04
Description
Correspondence and accompanying news articles describing voter registrations drives, and Atlanta's young politicians. 8 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Three newspaper articles describing elections in North Carolina, including the election of Howard N. Lee for Mayor of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"'I'll Be Walking a Tightrope' Lee", May 1969
Date Created
1969-05
Description
Three newspaper articles describing elections in North Carolina, including the election of Howard N. Lee for Mayor of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 3 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing plans to select a Black mayoral candidate. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Sen. Johnson Urges Negro Vote to Select a Candidate for Mayor", April 23, 1969
Date Created
1969--04-23
Description
A newspaper clipping describing plans to select a Black mayoral candidate. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing the campaign of Marvin S. Arrington for a 9th Ward city aldermanic seat. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Negro Aide in OEO Office to Run for 9th Ward Seat", April 22, 1969
Date Created
1969--04-22
Description
A newspaper clipping describing the campaign of Marvin S. Arrington for a 9th Ward city aldermanic seat. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping with an article describing the National Civil Liberties Clearing House's annual meeting. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Rustin Sees 'Community Control' Unable to Solve Ghetto Problems", March 29, 1969
Date Created
1969-03-29
Description
A newspaper clipping with an article describing the National Civil Liberties Clearing House's annual meeting. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Political participation, Race discrimination, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing the changes in voting and voter registration in the South. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"The Right to Vote", March 21, 1969
Date Created
1969--03-21
Description
A newspaper clipping describing the changes in voting and voter registration in the South. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
News clipping on Vernon Jordan, along with article on a poll taken in January to determine voter preferences for the next mayor of Atlanta, former U.S. Rep. Charles L. Weltner and Vice Mayor Sam Massell were about even, with Alderman Rodney Cook somewhat behind, however, the poll's reliability was questioned due to its early timing and small sample size of 300 registered voters. With correspondence from Billie and Harry Pfiffner. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Atlanta Attorney Jordan Named Alumnus of the Year at Depew", March 21, 1969
Date Created
1969--03-21
Description
News clipping on Vernon Jordan, along with article on a poll taken in January to determine voter preferences for the next mayor of Atlanta, former U.S. Rep. Charles L. Weltner and Vice Mayor Sam Massell were about even, with Alderman Rodney Cook somewhat behind, however, the poll's reliability was questioned due to its early timing and small sample size of 300 registered voters. With correspondence from Billie and Harry Pfiffner. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political participation, Voting, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A note and magazine article profiling Robert G. Clark, a legislator in Mississippi. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Challenging White Rule", March 17, 1969
Date Created
1969--03-17
Description
A note and magazine article profiling Robert G. Clark, a legislator in Mississippi. 3 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing a convention of NAACP leaders in Oklahoma City. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Race Problems Chief Target of Conference", March 14, 1969
Date Created
1969--03-14
Description
A newspaper clipping describing a convention of NAACP leaders in Oklahoma City. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Associations, institutions, etc., Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing campaigns by Maynard Jackson, Vernon Jordan, and Leroy Johnson. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Johnson, Jordan Map Races", March 10, 1969
Date Created
1969--03-10
Description
A newspaper clipping describing campaigns by Maynard Jackson, Vernon Jordan, and Leroy Johnson. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing the concerns over potential expiration of key provisions in the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voting Rights Act of 1965 Faces an Uncertain Future", March 1969
Date Created
1969-03
Description
A newspaper clipping describing the concerns over potential expiration of key provisions in the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing remarks made by Dr. Vivian Henderson to the Austell Rotary Club. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Negro Could Be Mayor Here, Henderson Says", February 21, 1969
Date Created
1969--02-21
Description
A newspaper clipping describing remarks made by Dr. Vivian Henderson to the Austell Rotary Club. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The article discusses political figure Julian Bond, who is well-known and influential in the Atlanta Black community, but may not fare well among White voters in Georgia, and questions whether it is equally "racial" politics to suggest that in the future Black voters will only vote for a Black candidate. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"The Mayors Race", February 19, 1969
Date Created
1969--02-19
Author
Gulliver, Hal
Description
The article discusses political figure Julian Bond, who is well-known and influential in the Atlanta Black community, but may not fare well among White voters in Georgia, and questions whether it is equally "racial" politics to suggest that in the future Black voters will only vote for a Black candidate. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civic leaders, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, Voting, Race relations
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
In 1969, State Rep. Julian Bond predicted that a Black mayor would be elected in Atlanta, and that Black Atlanta would become the majority, resulting in either an orderly transition of government or a state of political cold war between the races, depending on the willingness of the Black community to unify and the White community to accept the inevitable future, and argued for the need for a strong political organization and ward elections in the city. With correspondence from Billie Pfiffner to Vernon Jordan concerning Julian Bond's interest in Congress over mayorship. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Last White Mayor in '69, Bond Says", February 13, 1969
Date Created
1969--02-13
Description
In 1969, State Rep. Julian Bond predicted that a Black mayor would be elected in Atlanta, and that Black Atlanta would become the majority, resulting in either an orderly transition of government or a state of political cold war between the races, depending on the willingness of the Black community to unify and the White community to accept the inevitable future, and argued for the need for a strong political organization and ward elections in the city. With correspondence from Billie Pfiffner to Vernon Jordan concerning Julian Bond's interest in Congress over mayorship. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civic leaders, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, Voting, Race relations
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A public information meeting in Atlanta, which was meant to be a presentation on the city's schools, turned into a heated debate between White and Black attendees on the commitment of school officials to improving education in economically deprived areas, with some speakers criticizing the quality of education in these areas and others endorsing the efforts of the school board to improve the situation. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Bitter Debate Rages on Ghetto Schools", February 11, 1969
Date Created
1969--02-11
Author
Hurt, Bob
Description
A public information meeting in Atlanta, which was meant to be a presentation on the city's schools, turned into a heated debate between White and Black attendees on the commitment of school officials to improving education in economically deprived areas, with some speakers criticizing the quality of education in these areas and others endorsing the efforts of the school board to improve the situation. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Education, Voting, Race relations
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A copy of a newspaper clipping profiling John Lewis. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Where Are They Now? Lewis of SNCC", February 10, 1969
Date Created
1969-02-10
Description
A copy of a newspaper clipping profiling John Lewis. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A group of five U.S. congressmen from non-urban areas visited Atlanta to learn about urban living and toured Model Cities projects and public housing, while also experiencing the city's best and worst areas. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"U.S. Congressmen Get Look at Best and Worst in City", February 3, 1969
Date Created
1969--02-03
Description
A group of five U.S. congressmen from non-urban areas visited Atlanta to learn about urban living and toured Model Cities projects and public housing, while also experiencing the city's best and worst areas. 2 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The race for the next mayor of Atlanta, following the departure of Ivan Allen Jr., is expected to focus on racial and economic harmony, with taxation, annexation, and race relations being the major issues, and at least two dozen potential candidates being considered, including State Representative Julian Bond and business executive Earl Patton. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Mayor, Mayor, Who Wants to Be Mayor", January 30, 1969
Date Created
1969--01-30
Description
The race for the next mayor of Atlanta, following the departure of Ivan Allen Jr., is expected to focus on racial and economic harmony, with taxation, annexation, and race relations being the major issues, and at least two dozen potential candidates being considered, including State Representative Julian Bond and business executive Earl Patton. 2 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records