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.
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  • Subjects = Political campaigns
  • Subjects = Political participation
  • Subjects = African Americans--Politics and government
Newspaper article discussing the resignation of Lee Atwater, chairman of the Republican National Committee, from the board of trustees of Howard University after students protested his appointment. Atwater had been criticized for his history of using racist political tactics, and the students argued that he did not represent the black agenda represented by the historically-Black college. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"GOP's Southern Strategy Singing the Atwater Blues", March 9, 1989
Date Created
1989-03-09
Description
Newspaper article discussing the resignation of Lee Atwater, chairman of the Republican National Committee, from the board of trustees of Howard University after students protested his appointment. Atwater had been criticized for his history of using racist political tactics, and the students argued that he did not represent the black agenda represented by the historically-Black college. 1 page.
Subject
Political campaigns, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign in the 1980s has led to a revival of Black political interest in the South, with high Black voter registration and turnout inspiring many Blacks to run for office in unusually high numbers and giving them hope that the power of the vote will be recognized in local races for city councils, county commissions, sheriff, mayoral and congressional seats. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Jackson's Loading of Bandwagon Buoys Hopes of Black Candidates", April 25, 1984
Date Created
1984-04-25
Description
Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign in the 1980s has led to a revival of Black political interest in the South, with high Black voter registration and turnout inspiring many Blacks to run for office in unusually high numbers and giving them hope that the power of the vote will be recognized in local races for city councils, county commissions, sheriff, mayoral and congressional seats. 1 page.
Subject
Political campaigns, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article on the Black community grappling with the potential benefits and risks of Jesse L. Jackson's candidacy for President of the United States. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black Leaders Agonize as Jesse Jackson Ponders Bid", September 11, 1983
Date Created
1983-09-11
Description
Article on the Black community grappling with the potential benefits and risks of Jesse L. Jackson's candidacy for President of the United States. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Mary Miles, the newly elected representative of South Carolina House District 93, aims to work with all people, regardless of race or wealth, to heal the district's wounds and serve the needs of her constituents in the General Assembly. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Victorious Mary Miles Pledges to Work for All People", November 4, 1982
Date Created
1982-11-04
Description
Mary Miles, the newly elected representative of South Carolina House District 93, aims to work with all people, regardless of race or wealth, to heal the district's wounds and serve the needs of her constituents in the General Assembly. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns, Political participation, African American women
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The 5th District council race in Atlanta between incumbent Morris Finley and challenger Hosea Williams has been marked by accusations of improper tactics and mudslinging, with Williams relying on theatrics to win and Finley focusing on his record, while Williams paints him as a tool of the downtown business power structure and a slumlord, and the two face a runoff election after a laborious recount that failed to produce a winner. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Finley, Williams Go Through the Mill to Get to 5th District Runoff", by Katheryn Hayes, circa 1980
Date Created
1977/1983
Description
The 5th District council race in Atlanta between incumbent Morris Finley and challenger Hosea Williams has been marked by accusations of improper tactics and mudslinging, with Williams relying on theatrics to win and Finley focusing on his record, while Williams paints him as a tool of the downtown business power structure and a slumlord, and the two face a runoff election after a laborious recount that failed to produce a winner. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, Political participation, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Eight candidates, including Fulton County Commissioner Reginald Eaves, have qualified to run for mayor in the upcoming Atlanta election, with the qualifying period ending on Thursday, and the only poll that matters to the candidates is the one on Oct 6. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Eaves, 3 More Qualify in October Mayoral Election", by T. L. Wells, circa 1980
Date Created
1977/1983
Description
Eight candidates, including Fulton County Commissioner Reginald Eaves, have qualified to run for mayor in the upcoming Atlanta election, with the qualifying period ending on Thursday, and the only poll that matters to the candidates is the one on Oct 6. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, Political participation, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Booklet of Jimmy Carter's 1976 Presidential campaign materials, including statements of support, a public address from Carter, and articles about the campaign, prepared for the Democratic Convention. In his public address, Carter argued that while much progress had been done already, there was still much work to be done to achieve an end to poverty, discrimination, and corruption, and to create an honest government, compassionate, and responsive to the needs of the people. 20 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Jimmy Carter Democratic National Convention" Booklet, 1976
Date Created
1976
Description
Booklet of Jimmy Carter's 1976 Presidential campaign materials, including statements of support, a public address from Carter, and articles about the campaign, prepared for the Democratic Convention. In his public address, Carter argued that while much progress had been done already, there was still much work to be done to achieve an end to poverty, discrimination, and corruption, and to create an honest government, compassionate, and responsive to the needs of the people. 20 pages.
Subject
Political campaigns, Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article discussing the defeat of Richland School District One Chairman Caldwell Withers in his campaign for renomination. Caldwell Withers, the long-time chairman of the Richland District One School Board, finished third in the three-man race, behind Dr. Shepard N. Dunn and Hayes Mizell. Withers attributed his defeat to the Black vote, saying that he thought the Black vote went solidly against him. He did not think that the Columbia desegregation plan submitted last week had anything to do with his defeat. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"District Chairman Withers Defeated," June 10, 1970
Date Created
1970-06-10
Description
Newspaper article discussing the defeat of Richland School District One Chairman Caldwell Withers in his campaign for renomination. Caldwell Withers, the long-time chairman of the Richland District One School Board, finished third in the three-man race, behind Dr. Shepard N. Dunn and Hayes Mizell. Withers attributed his defeat to the Black vote, saying that he thought the Black vote went solidly against him. He did not think that the Columbia desegregation plan submitted last week had anything to do with his defeat. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
List of Black candidates running for office in South Carolina in 1970, organized by county. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
List of Black Candidates Running for Office in South Carolina, 1970
Date Created
1970
Description
List of Black candidates running for office in South Carolina in 1970, organized by county. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence from Mordecai C. Johnson, Democratic Executive Committeeman, to Marvin D. Wall, VEP's Director of Research, attaching a recent newsclipping regarding the election of Dover Bowman to a 4-year term on Timmonsville, South Carolina's 6-man City Council in Florence County. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Timmonsville Picks Hobson; Negro Elected", April 30, 1969
Date Created
1969-04-30
Description
Correspondence from Mordecai C. Johnson, Democratic Executive Committeeman, to Marvin D. Wall, VEP's Director of Research, attaching a recent newsclipping regarding the election of Dover Bowman to a 4-year term on Timmonsville, South Carolina's 6-man City Council in Florence County. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence from Mordecai C. Johnson, Democratic Executive Committeeman for the third precinct, to VEP's Vernon Jordan regarding the successful election of Black representation in a recent election in Florence, South Carolina. Johnson referred to the political developments in Florence as a "significant step forward in democratizing the democrats as well as the city, and giving heart to others in the city, county, state, south and the nation." 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence From Mordecai C. Johnson to Vernon E. Jordan, April 22, 1969
Date Created
1969-04-22
Description
Correspondence from Mordecai C. Johnson, Democratic Executive Committeeman for the third precinct, to VEP's Vernon Jordan regarding the successful election of Black representation in a recent election in Florence, South Carolina. Johnson referred to the political developments in Florence as a "significant step forward in democratizing the democrats as well as the city, and giving heart to others in the city, county, state, south and the nation." 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article regarding the election of the Black chairman William W. Bennett to the City Democrats Party in South Carolina during an organizational meeting which also set election primary dates and candidate filing fees for the upcoming May 6 Municipal Election. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"City Democrats Elect First Negro Chairman", March 14, 1969
Date Created
1969-03-14
Description
Newspaper article regarding the election of the Black chairman William W. Bennett to the City Democrats Party in South Carolina during an organizational meeting which also set election primary dates and candidate filing fees for the upcoming May 6 Municipal Election. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article regarding Senator Ernest Hollings' claims that there was a serious problem with hunger in South Carolina, citing his own tours of slums and the testimony of experts. However, Senator Strom Thurmond denied that there was a problem, and claimed that talk of hunger was just political maneuvering. The issue was further complicated by the fact that many state and local officials also denied that hunger exists. The article also discusses the potential need for federal action to combat the problem and the lack of public support for Hollings' efforts to raise awareness of hunger. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Hunger: The Politics of Personal Misery", February 16, 1969
Date Created
1969-02-16
Description
Newspaper article regarding Senator Ernest Hollings' claims that there was a serious problem with hunger in South Carolina, citing his own tours of slums and the testimony of experts. However, Senator Strom Thurmond denied that there was a problem, and claimed that talk of hunger was just political maneuvering. The issue was further complicated by the fact that many state and local officials also denied that hunger exists. The article also discusses the potential need for federal action to combat the problem and the lack of public support for Hollings' efforts to raise awareness of hunger. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence from Thomas Moss, director of South Carolina's Voter Education Project, to Marvin Wall, VEP's Director of Research, with the campaign cards of three Black candidates running for city council in Denmark, South Carolina. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
City Council Campaign Cards for Black Candidates In Denmark, South Carolina, February 5, 1969
Date Created
1969-02-05
Description
Correspondence from Thomas Moss, director of South Carolina's Voter Education Project, to Marvin Wall, VEP's Director of Research, with the campaign cards of three Black candidates running for city council in Denmark, South Carolina. 4 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Jet article on a possibility of Atlanta electing its first Black mayor, with State Sen. Leroy R. Johnson and other Black politicians considering running for office, but winning the election would require significant white voter support and a successful voter-registration campaign. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"A Black Mayor for Atlanta?", January 23, 1969
Date Created
1969--01-23
Description
Jet article on a possibility of Atlanta electing its first Black mayor, with State Sen. Leroy R. Johnson and other Black politicians considering running for office, but winning the election would require significant white voter support and a successful voter-registration campaign. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
This article discusses the potential candidates for the upcoming mayoral election in Atlanta, highlighting the lack of coalescence behind one or two candidates, and examining the strengths and weaknesses of the various potential candidates, including Rodney Cook, Sam Massell, Milton Farris, Everett Millican, Leroy Johnson, and Charles Weltner. Additionally, the article suggests the possibility of a push for a Negro vice mayor, with potential candidates including Vernon Jordan and Maynard Jackson. 1 page
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"A Candidate for Mayor? Name Your Own", January 17, 1969
Date Created
1969--01-17
Author
Cleghorn, Reese
Description
This article discusses the potential candidates for the upcoming mayoral election in Atlanta, highlighting the lack of coalescence behind one or two candidates, and examining the strengths and weaknesses of the various potential candidates, including Rodney Cook, Sam Massell, Milton Farris, Everett Millican, Leroy Johnson, and Charles Weltner. Additionally, the article suggests the possibility of a push for a Negro vice mayor, with potential candidates including Vernon Jordan and Maynard Jackson. 1 page
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. announced his retirement a year from then at an Atlanta Rotary Club luncheon, sparking speculation about possible candidates to succeed him, with Aid. Milton Farris, Vice Mayor Sam Massell, and Aid. Rodney Cook appearing to be the favorites, although reliable rumors circulating in the Black community that there may be no major Black candidate for mayor this year would strongly enhance Massell's candidacy. Along with article, "Concerted Negro Vote Sign Up Under Way for Mayor�s Race", about an effort is being made in Atlanta to register and educate eligible Black voters in an attempt to gain majority control in the upcoming mayoral election, with some caution being exercised to avoid splitting the Black vote by throwing support behind a white candidate, such as Vice Mayor Sam Massell, who is deemed more acceptable to some Black leaders than a Black candidate who may be seen as a sellout to the community, while also pressing for police reform and addressing allegations of police brutality and misconduct towards the Black community. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Mayor Allen Confirms That He'll Retire", January 7, 1969
Date Created
1969--01-07
Author
Coffin, Alex
Description
Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. announced his retirement a year from then at an Atlanta Rotary Club luncheon, sparking speculation about possible candidates to succeed him, with Aid. Milton Farris, Vice Mayor Sam Massell, and Aid. Rodney Cook appearing to be the favorites, although reliable rumors circulating in the Black community that there may be no major Black candidate for mayor this year would strongly enhance Massell's candidacy. Along with article, "Concerted Negro Vote Sign Up Under Way for Mayor�s Race", about an effort is being made in Atlanta to register and educate eligible Black voters in an attempt to gain majority control in the upcoming mayoral election, with some caution being exercised to avoid splitting the Black vote by throwing support behind a white candidate, such as Vice Mayor Sam Massell, who is deemed more acceptable to some Black leaders than a Black candidate who may be seen as a sellout to the community, while also pressing for police reform and addressing allegations of police brutality and misconduct towards the Black community. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article discussing the potential political campaigns of two Black candidates in Atlanta and Detroit after the final term of respected mayor Ivan Allen Jr. Due to Atlanta's large Black population, there was a growing movement for Black political representation. The article suggests that if a Black candidate were to run for mayor, they would have a good chance of winning. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Negroes Eye Two Major Mayoralities", January 2, 1969
Date Created
1969-01-02
Description
Newspaper article discussing the potential political campaigns of two Black candidates in Atlanta and Detroit after the final term of respected mayor Ivan Allen Jr. Due to Atlanta's large Black population, there was a growing movement for Black political representation. The article suggests that if a Black candidate were to run for mayor, they would have a good chance of winning. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article discussing a Virginia election in which the Democratic organization narrowly beat out the liberal opposition to retain party control in the state. The Democratic Party of Virginia held its state convention in Salem, which was marked by a tense showdown between the Democratic Organization and liberal forces. The Organization retained its hold on the state party chairmanship, with Watkins M. Abbitt being re-elected to a second four-year term. The unit rule, which would have required Virginia's entire 54 votes to be cast in a bloc as the majority decided, was defeated in the convention's Resolutions Committee. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Abbitt Retains Chair; Unit Rule Voted Out", July 28, 1968
Date Created
1968-07-28
Description
Newspaper article discussing a Virginia election in which the Democratic organization narrowly beat out the liberal opposition to retain party control in the state. The Democratic Party of Virginia held its state convention in Salem, which was marked by a tense showdown between the Democratic Organization and liberal forces. The Organization retained its hold on the state party chairmanship, with Watkins M. Abbitt being re-elected to a second four-year term. The unit rule, which would have required Virginia's entire 54 votes to be cast in a bloc as the majority decided, was defeated in the convention's Resolutions Committee. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence addressed to Vernon Jordan Jr., then-Director of the Voter Education Project, regarding the candidacy and election of Black female politician Harintha C. Smith to the Greenville School Board in South Carolina, including Smith's campaign literature and an article published in the Greenville News. 5 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence addressed to Vernon Jordan Jr. regarding Harintha C. Smith, July 19, 1968
Date Created
1968-07-19
Description
Correspondence addressed to Vernon Jordan Jr., then-Director of the Voter Education Project, regarding the candidacy and election of Black female politician Harintha C. Smith to the Greenville School Board in South Carolina, including Smith's campaign literature and an article published in the Greenville News. 5 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records