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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Press release from the Voter Education Project discussing the status of one-person county governing boards in fifteen percent of Georgia counties. The VEP released a study that found that 15% of Georgia's counties had only one person on the county governing board. This undemocratic relic was not found outside Georgia. VEP Research Director Richard A. Hudlin stated that "A one-person board facilitates 'boss rule' and is the ultimate form of at-large elections." Georgia also prohibited election victories by pluralities, meaning that even if a minority candidate won the most votes in an election, they still had to win a runoff election against the second-place finisher in order to be elected. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, July 17, 1983
Date Created
1983-07-17
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project discussing the status of one-person county governing boards in fifteen percent of Georgia counties. The VEP released a study that found that 15% of Georgia's counties had only one person on the county governing board. This undemocratic relic was not found outside Georgia. VEP Research Director Richard A. Hudlin stated that "A one-person board facilitates 'boss rule' and is the ultimate form of at-large elections." Georgia also prohibited election victories by pluralities, meaning that even if a minority candidate won the most votes in an election, they still had to win a runoff election against the second-place finisher in order to be elected. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Demographic surveys
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The article discusses the primary runoff system in Southern US states and its potential impact on Black voters, as well as its effectiveness in promoting consensus-building and preventing rule by cliques, but also its drawbacks such as increased costs and a proliferation of candidates. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Reviewing the Runoff System", July 15, 1983
Date Created
1983-07-15
Description
The article discusses the primary runoff system in Southern US states and its potential impact on Black voters, as well as its effectiveness in promoting consensus-building and preventing rule by cliques, but also its drawbacks such as increased costs and a proliferation of candidates. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights, Voting, Political science
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Voter Education Project projects a 14% increase among voting age Blacks in 11 southern states by November 1984, citing a diversity of factors such as deteriorating economic conditions, unemployment, and recent political victories, with the potential for up to 3 million Black votes in the 1984 presidential election. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, June 29, 1983
Date Created
1983--06-29
Description
The Voter Education Project projects a 14% increase among voting age Blacks in 11 southern states by November 1984, citing a diversity of factors such as deteriorating economic conditions, unemployment, and recent political victories, with the potential for up to 3 million Black votes in the 1984 presidential election. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, Voting, Voter registration, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project The Voter Education Project (VEP) reporting that the number of voting-age Blacks in the 11 southern states was projected to increase by 14% in 1984. VEP Executive Director Geraldine Thompson said that this increase was due to a variety of factors, including the controversy of a Black presidential candidate, the economic conditions, and the recent victories of Harold Washington and Wilson Goode. VEP Research Director Richard Hudlin said that if financial and organizational support continued for organizations like VEP, there could be nearly five million Black registrants in the region by November 1984. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, June 29, 1983
Date Created
1983-06-29
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project The Voter Education Project (VEP) reporting that the number of voting-age Blacks in the 11 southern states was projected to increase by 14% in 1984. VEP Executive Director Geraldine Thompson said that this increase was due to a variety of factors, including the controversy of a Black presidential candidate, the economic conditions, and the recent victories of Harold Washington and Wilson Goode. VEP Research Director Richard Hudlin said that if financial and organizational support continued for organizations like VEP, there could be nearly five million Black registrants in the region by November 1984. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Demographic surveys
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voter drive by NAACP set here", "Political coalition gearing up for Black voter registration drive", "Take the British system of political races, please", June 15, 1983 news clippings, and "Despite differences, Jews and Blacks still allies". 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voter Drive by NAACP Set Here", June 15, 1983
Date Created
1983-06-15
Description
"Voter drive by NAACP set here", "Political coalition gearing up for Black voter registration drive", "Take the British system of political races, please", June 15, 1983 news clippings, and "Despite differences, Jews and Blacks still allies". 4 pages.
Subject
Groups and organizations, African Americans--Civil rights, Political campaigns, Political participation, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article from Black Enterprise on how Black Mayors are revitalizing cities and towns. Mayors discussed are Andrew Young, Coleman Yound, and Johnny Ford, accompanied by a full list around the country. 8 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Taking Over City Hall", June 1983
Date Created
1983-06
Description
Article from Black Enterprise on how Black Mayors are revitalizing cities and towns. Mayors discussed are Andrew Young, Coleman Yound, and Johnny Ford, accompanied by a full list around the country. 8 pages.
Subject
African American business enterprises, African American mayors
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
In 1983, W. Wilson Goode became Philadelphia's first Black Democratic nominee for mayor, winning by a small margin and receiving over 90% of the Black vote, although race was not a prominent theme in any candidate's public statements; Goode's victory resulted from a mobilization of the Black community in the form of registration campaigns and turn-out-the-vote drives which paralleled the Harold Washington race in Chicago, and he will run against two White candidates in the November general election. 4 Pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Philadelphia Democrats Nominate First Black Mayor W. Wilson Goode", May 23, 1983
Date Created
1983--05-23
Description
In 1983, W. Wilson Goode became Philadelphia's first Black Democratic nominee for mayor, winning by a small margin and receiving over 90% of the Black vote, although race was not a prominent theme in any candidate's public statements; Goode's victory resulted from a mobilization of the Black community in the form of registration campaigns and turn-out-the-vote drives which paralleled the Harold Washington race in Chicago, and he will run against two White candidates in the November general election. 4 Pages.
Subject
Political participation, Voting, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding results from a study conducted by VEP's Research Department, which found that one third of the counties in eleven southern states had a 1980 Black population of 27% or higher, according to Voter Education Project, Inc. (VEP). Further, one out of every thirteen counties had Black majority populations. This data showed that there were numerous opportunities for voter registration and voter turnout activities in the South, which could greatly influence southern politics 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, May 14, 1982
Date Created
1983-05-14
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding results from a study conducted by VEP's Research Department, which found that one third of the counties in eleven southern states had a 1980 Black population of 27% or higher, according to Voter Education Project, Inc. (VEP). Further, one out of every thirteen counties had Black majority populations. This data showed that there were numerous opportunities for voter registration and voter turnout activities in the South, which could greatly influence southern politics 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Demographic surveys
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Audio recording a panel discussion on the development of Black involvement and participation in U.S. politics in the 20th century. The speakers discuss the circumstances that have helped secure Black elected officials' victories, focusing particularly on the election of Harold Washington as mayor of Chicago.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Black Involvement in Politics, April 29, 1983
Date Created
1983-04-29
Description
Audio recording a panel discussion on the development of Black involvement and participation in U.S. politics in the 20th century. The speakers discuss the circumstances that have helped secure Black elected officials' victories, focusing particularly on the election of Harold Washington as mayor of Chicago.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Race discrimination, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Audio recording of a panel discussion regarding the voting patterns of white and Black voters in the United States. The speaker discusses how the Republican and Democratic parties have appealed to both white and Black voters through campaigns to increase membership. The speaker also discusses how bringing Black voters into the fold has helped the Democratic Party increase its political power.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Side 1: D. Goins Panel Discussion 3.45 April 28th, 1983. Side 2: D. Goins
Date Created
1983-04-28
Description
Audio recording of a panel discussion regarding the voting patterns of white and Black voters in the United States. The speaker discusses how the Republican and Democratic parties have appealed to both white and Black voters through campaigns to increase membership. The speaker also discusses how bringing Black voters into the fold has helped the Democratic Party increase its political power.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Race discrimination, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Audio recording of a panel discussion on the development of Black involvement and participation in U.S. politics in the 20th century. Two Black academics discuss how the specific processes and mechanisms of Congress can both limit and expand Black political power within the government, and how the formation of coalitions within the government provided success for voting rights legislation.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Side One: 4-2 The US Congress and Black Americans 4/28/83, 1:45-3:15
Date Created
1983-04-28
Description
Audio recording of a panel discussion on the development of Black involvement and participation in U.S. politics in the 20th century. Two Black academics discuss how the specific processes and mechanisms of Congress can both limit and expand Black political power within the government, and how the formation of coalitions within the government provided success for voting rights legislation.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Race discrimination, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Voter Education Project reports that Louisiana had the lowest Black voter turnout in 1982, with only 30% of registered Black voters casting their ballots, and is planning to hold a statewide conference on "Contemporary Voting Rights Issues" at Southern University in Baton Rouge to encourage Black voter participation. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Announcement of Contemporary Voting Rights Issues Conference in Louisiana", April 4, 1983
Date Created
1983--04-04
Description
The Voter Education Project reports that Louisiana had the lowest Black voter turnout in 1982, with only 30% of registered Black voters casting their ballots, and is planning to hold a statewide conference on "Contemporary Voting Rights Issues" at Southern University in Baton Rouge to encourage Black voter participation. 3 pages.
Subject
Political participation, Voting
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Keynote address given by Geraldine G. Thompson at the retirement celebration for Richmond D. Hill, mayor of Greenville, Georgia.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Keynote Address for the Retirement of Richmond D. Hill, March 12, 1983
Date Created
1983-03-12
Description
Keynote address given by Geraldine G. Thompson at the retirement celebration for Richmond D. Hill, mayor of Greenville, Georgia.
Subject
Speeches, African American civic leaders, African American mayors
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article on Richmond Hill, the first Black mayor in Georgia retiring at the age of 77, leaving behind a successful career that began with him working as a bellhop at an Atlanta hotel. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Georgia's First Black Mayor Retiring in May", February 21, 1983
Date Created
1983-02-21
Description
Article on Richmond Hill, the first Black mayor in Georgia retiring at the age of 77, leaving behind a successful career that began with him working as a bellhop at an Atlanta hotel. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American mayors, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Birmingham city officials are taking steps to address women's issues in local government, with the appointment of a new staff member, Mary Alice Jones, and the creation of a women's commission, in response to campaign promises and discussions with women's groups, aimed at institutionalizing fair treatment and sensitivity towards the special problems faced by women and their families. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Atlanta NAACP Lobbying Network Newsletter, February 19, 1983
Date Created
1983-02-19
Description
Birmingham city officials are taking steps to address women's issues in local government, with the appointment of a new staff member, Mary Alice Jones, and the creation of a women's commission, in response to campaign promises and discussions with women's groups, aimed at institutionalizing fair treatment and sensitivity towards the special problems faced by women and their families. 4 pages.
Subject
African American women, African Americans--Politics and government, African American families
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project featuring the Voter Education Project's calls on South Carolinians to contact their Senators and encourage them to support the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act. VEP also announced a Contemporary Voting Rights Conference on February 20 at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. The conference was to provide information and resources on the Voting Rights Act, redistricting, and reapportionment. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, February 5, 1982
Date Created
1983-02-05
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project featuring the Voter Education Project's calls on South Carolinians to contact their Senators and encourage them to support the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act. VEP also announced a Contemporary Voting Rights Conference on February 20 at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. The conference was to provide information and resources on the Voting Rights Act, redistricting, and reapportionment. 1 page.
Subject
Meetings, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Politics and government, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Six Tift County voters are filing a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Valdosta, challenging the county's at-large methods of electing members to the county commission and county board of education, alleging that the present at-large system of voting discriminates against Black voters in Tift County, and asking the court to establish election districts to choose members of the two bodies. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Suit Challenges Tift's Method of Elections", January 20, 1983
Date Created
1983-01-20
Description
Six Tift County voters are filing a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Valdosta, challenging the county's at-large methods of electing members to the county commission and county board of education, alleging that the present at-large system of voting discriminates against Black voters in Tift County, and asking the court to establish election districts to choose members of the two bodies. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, Race discrimination, African Americans--Civil rights, Dispute Resolution
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence From Samuel F. Daly to Geraldine Thompson regarding a booklet, "How to Register and Vote in North Carolina" from 1944. Daly used to teach African Americans to register and vote while working as a high school teacher in Warren County, N.C., but was fired for his efforts. The sender reported the incident to the State Board of Education, which resulted in the superintendent being found guilty of embezzlement and sentenced to ten years in prison, after a white citizen made complaints. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence From Samuel F. Daly to Geraldine Thompson, 1983
Date Created
1983
Description
Correspondence From Samuel F. Daly to Geraldine Thompson regarding a booklet, "How to Register and Vote in North Carolina" from 1944. Daly used to teach African Americans to register and vote while working as a high school teacher in Warren County, N.C., but was fired for his efforts. The sender reported the incident to the State Board of Education, which resulted in the superintendent being found guilty of embezzlement and sentenced to ten years in prison, after a white citizen made complaints. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Voting, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter education rally flyer starring Geraldine Thompson, VEP director. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Rally With Geraldine Thompson as Keynote Speaker, 1983
Date Created
1983
Description
Voter education rally flyer starring Geraldine Thompson, VEP director. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Political posters, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Flyer encouraging people to register with the voter registration drive. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"You Can't Vote Unless You're Registered", 1983
Date Created
1983
Description
Flyer encouraging people to register with the voter registration drive. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Political posters, Voter registration, Voting
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records