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 = Voter registration
  • Subjects = Political campaigns
  • 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
Newspaper article discussing the candidacy qualification of 50 Atlanta residents to run for office in the 1981 city elections. The race for mayor was viewed as particularly competitive, with Former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young and state Rep. Sidney Marcus considered the front-runners. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"50 Candidates Pay Their Qualifying Fees For Atlanta City Elections", August 19, 1981
Date Created
1981-08-19
Description
Newspaper article discussing the candidacy qualification of 50 Atlanta residents to run for office in the 1981 city elections. The race for mayor was viewed as particularly competitive, with Former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young and state Rep. Sidney Marcus considered the front-runners. 1 page.
Subject
Political campaigns, African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson and Voter Education Project (VEP) Director John R. Lewis's plans to run for Congress. Jackson's top political advisor urged him not to run, but Jackson had not made an official decision yet. Lewis also had not made a decision, but he was encouraged by many people to run. State Rep. Mildred Glover was also expected to enter the race. She stated earlier that she did not want to run against Jackson, but she had since changed her mind. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Jackson Adviser Urges He Not Run for House", December 18, 1976
Date Created
1976-12-18
Description
Newspaper article describing Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson and Voter Education Project (VEP) Director John R. Lewis's plans to run for Congress. Jackson's top political advisor urged him not to run, but Jackson had not made an official decision yet. Lewis also had not made a decision, but he was encouraged by many people to run. State Rep. Mildred Glover was also expected to enter the race. She stated earlier that she did not want to run against Jackson, but she had since changed her mind. 1 page.
Subject
Political campaigns, African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, African American mayors
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondate campaign envelope addressed to John R. Lewis during the 1976 Presidential Campaign. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Jimmy Carter Campaign Envelope Adressed to John R. Lewis, October 28, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-28
Description
Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondate campaign envelope addressed to John R. Lewis during the 1976 Presidential Campaign. 1 page.
Subject
Political campaigns, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Presidents
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper photo of Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter with Martin Luther King Sr. prior to addressing members of the Voter Education Project in regards to an automatic voter registration bill. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Democratic Presidential Candidate Jimmy Carter with Rev. Martin Luther King Sr., August 31, 1976
Date Created
1976-08-31
Description
Newspaper photo of Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter with Martin Luther King Sr. prior to addressing members of the Voter Education Project in regards to an automatic voter registration bill. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns, Presidents
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 describing Georgia Lieutenant Governor Zell Miller's calls for all states to be brought under the provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Miller said that the act, which was passed to ensure that all Americans, regardless of race, creed, or color, are not discriminated against at the polls, was only applied to seven states, including Georgia and Texas. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Zell Miller Vows Campaign To Make U.S. Voting Rights Act Nationwide", November 27, 1975
Date Created
1975-11-27
Description
Newspaper article describing Georgia Lieutenant Governor Zell Miller's calls for all states to be brought under the provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Miller said that the act, which was passed to ensure that all Americans, regardless of race, creed, or color, are not discriminated against at the polls, was only applied to seven states, including Georgia and Texas. 1 page.
Subject
Political campaigns, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing Mayor Maynard Jackson of Atlanta criticism of U.S. Sen. Herman Talmadge for opposing the extension of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Jackson stated that the act was still needed to protect the right to vote for black people in Georgia. Jackson said that Talmadge was "ignorant" of the facts when he claimed that Black people enjoyed universal voter registration rights. He pointed to the fact that there were continuing violations of the Voting Rights Act in Georgia. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Jackson Assails Talmadge Stand", July 16, 1975
Date Created
1975-07-16
Description
Newspaper article describing Mayor Maynard Jackson of Atlanta criticism of U.S. Sen. Herman Talmadge for opposing the extension of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Jackson stated that the act was still needed to protect the right to vote for black people in Georgia. Jackson said that Talmadge was "ignorant" of the facts when he claimed that Black people enjoyed universal voter registration rights. He pointed to the fact that there were continuing violations of the Voting Rights Act in Georgia. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns, African American mayors
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
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
Newspaper article discussing Maynard Jackson Jr.'s, an Atlanta attorney, announcement of his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat held by Herman Talmadge. Jackson stated that he would run as a Georgian and a citizen of the United States, not as a Black person. He also stated that he believed in "Georgia power and people power" instead of "Black power." Jackson was confident that he could win the election, even though he was the first Black person to challenge Talmadge for the seat. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Jackson Favors Georgia Power", June 6, 1968
Date Created
1968-06-06
Description
Newspaper article discussing Maynard Jackson Jr.'s, an Atlanta attorney, announcement of his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat held by Herman Talmadge. Jackson stated that he would run as a Georgian and a citizen of the United States, not as a Black person. He also stated that he believed in "Georgia power and people power" instead of "Black power." Jackson was confident that he could win the election, even though he was the first Black person to challenge Talmadge for the seat. 1 page.
Subject
Political campaigns, African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records