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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Materials from the Voter Education Project's 25th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act Conference. The conference featured many events and speakers that honored the legacy of voting rights activism underlying VEP. VEP's work helped to pave the way for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was responsible for spurring the most significant expansion of American democratic processes in the last half of the 20th century. However, VEP still faced challenges in the form of persisting social restraints to successful biracial politics and even some remaining legal barriers to the ballot. Nonetheless, the VEP made significant progress in expanding voting rights for African Americans, and its work was essential to ensuring that all Americans have a voice in our democracy. 211 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
From Protest to Politics 25th Anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act" Conference, November 16, 1990
Date Created
1990-11-16
Description
Materials from the Voter Education Project's 25th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act Conference. The conference featured many events and speakers that honored the legacy of voting rights activism underlying VEP. VEP's work helped to pave the way for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was responsible for spurring the most significant expansion of American democratic processes in the last half of the 20th century. However, VEP still faced challenges in the form of persisting social restraints to successful biracial politics and even some remaining legal barriers to the ballot. Nonetheless, the VEP made significant progress in expanding voting rights for African Americans, and its work was essential to ensuring that all Americans have a voice in our democracy. 211 pages.
Subject
Political participation, Meetings, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Politics and government, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Flyer depicting children on a porch asking people to vote in the general primary run off elections. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"If Not for Your Sake, for Our Sake, for Gods Sake", 1990
Date Created
1990
Description
Flyer depicting children on a porch asking people to vote in the general primary run off elections. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Political posters, Voter registration, Voting
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
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
Report from the Census Bureau examining voter turnout in the 1988 presidential election. The report found that voter turnout among Black Americans decreased from 56% in 1984 to 52% in 1988, with white voter turnout also decreasing from 61% to 59%, while Hispanic voter turnout fell from 33% to 29%. The report also found that Black voter turnout was higher in the North and West than it was in the South. Among Whites, voter turnout was higher in the North and West than in the South. Overall, the report found that registration rates among Black Americans, White Americans, and Hispanic Americans all decreased from 1984 to 1988. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black Voter Turnout and Registration Rates Fall In Last Presidential Election, Census Bureau Reports", March
Date Created
1989-03-08
Description
Report from the Census Bureau examining voter turnout in the 1988 presidential election. The report found that voter turnout among Black Americans decreased from 56% in 1984 to 52% in 1988, with white voter turnout also decreasing from 61% to 59%, while Hispanic voter turnout fell from 33% to 29%. The report also found that Black voter turnout was higher in the North and West than it was in the South. Among Whites, voter turnout was higher in the North and West than in the South. Overall, the report found that registration rates among Black Americans, White Americans, and Hispanic Americans all decreased from 1984 to 1988. 3 pages.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper book review of Abigail Themstrom's "Whose Votes Count: Affirmative Action and Minority Voting Rights", which examined the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and its impact on minority representation in government. Themstrom argued that the act had been distorted from its original intent and that the current focus on proportional representation was misguided. She believed that the act should be amended to focus on equality of opportunity, rather than equality of outcomes. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Beginning with Voting", February 20, 1989
Date Created
1989-02-20
Description
Newspaper book review of Abigail Themstrom's "Whose Votes Count: Affirmative Action and Minority Voting Rights", which examined the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and its impact on minority representation in government. Themstrom argued that the act had been distorted from its original intent and that the current focus on proportional representation was misguided. She believed that the act should be amended to focus on equality of opportunity, rather than equality of outcomes. 4 pages.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A report by the nonpartisan Southern Regional Council (SRC) in Atlanta suggests that the Democrats could win a majority of the Southern states in the next presidential election with only a modest increase in Southern White support, if the rate of registration and turnout of Black and Hispanic voters equals that of whites in 1992. The study shows that Democratic gains in predominantly White precincts were cancelled out by a sharp decline in votes since 1984 in majority Black precincts, and that Democratic inroads into White urban voters in the South were nullified by the party's failure to increase the actual number of Black votes. 6 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Southern Regional Council News Release, 1992 Presidential Election, February 10, 1989
Date Created
1989-02-10
Description
A report by the nonpartisan Southern Regional Council (SRC) in Atlanta suggests that the Democrats could win a majority of the Southern states in the next presidential election with only a modest increase in Southern White support, if the rate of registration and turnout of Black and Hispanic voters equals that of whites in 1992. The study shows that Democratic gains in predominantly White precincts were cancelled out by a sharp decline in votes since 1984 in majority Black precincts, and that Democratic inroads into White urban voters in the South were nullified by the party's failure to increase the actual number of Black votes. 6 pages.
Subject
Political campaigns, Voter registration, Voting, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A blank voter registration application. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Registration Application, Blank, 1989
Date Created
1989
Description
A blank voter registration application. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Handbook used in the training of Fulton County Field Deputy Registrars, which includes information regarding Georgia election code rules and regulations, registration qualifications, and instructions for completing voter registration. 42 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Fulton County Field Deputy Registrar Instruction" Booklet, circa 1990
Date Created
1988/1992
Description
Handbook used in the training of Fulton County Field Deputy Registrars, which includes information regarding Georgia election code rules and regulations, registration qualifications, and instructions for completing voter registration. 42 pages.
Subject
Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study on the 1987 mayoral election in College Park, Georgia, Black voters had a majority in voter registration but turnout was significantly lower than white turnout. This resulted in a three-to-one victory margin for the incumbent white mayor. The Voter Education Project (VEP) found that Black voter registration had increased by 7.33% between 1985 and 1987, while white voter registration decreased by 21.43%. VEP called on Black voters in College Park to be more active in the city's politics. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, October 30, 1987
Date Created
1987-10-30
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study on the 1987 mayoral election in College Park, Georgia, Black voters had a majority in voter registration but turnout was significantly lower than white turnout. This resulted in a three-to-one victory margin for the incumbent white mayor. The Voter Education Project (VEP) found that Black voter registration had increased by 7.33% between 1985 and 1987, while white voter registration decreased by 21.43%. VEP called on Black voters in College Park to be more active in the city's politics. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release regarding the 1987 College Park mayoral election, in which white voters participated at a rate almost twice that of Black voters. This disparity in voter turnout helped incumbent mayor T. Owen Smith win by a three-to-one margin over Black candidate Jessie Dent. Dr. K. Farouk Brimah, Director of Research at the Voter Education Project, said that while race played a significant role in the voting behavior of College Park voters, emphasis on increasing the Black vote in the future must be placed on an effective get-out-the-vote campaign. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, October 30, 1987
Date Created
1987-10-30
Description
Press release regarding the 1987 College Park mayoral election, in which white voters participated at a rate almost twice that of Black voters. This disparity in voter turnout helped incumbent mayor T. Owen Smith win by a three-to-one margin over Black candidate Jessie Dent. Dr. K. Farouk Brimah, Director of Research at the Voter Education Project, said that while race played a significant role in the voting behavior of College Park voters, emphasis on increasing the Black vote in the future must be placed on an effective get-out-the-vote campaign. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Southern Women's Political Campaign Workshop brochure describing the workshop schedule an organization's information. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Southern Women's Political Campaign Workshop Brochure, September 26, 1987
Date Created
1987-09-26
Description
The Southern Women's Political Campaign Workshop brochure describing the workshop schedule an organization's information. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, African Americans--Politics and government, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding study by the Voter Education Project and the Atlanta University Policy Center, which found that voter turnout in the South increased significantly in the 1986 congressional and senatorial elections. The study found that 51.9% of registered voters in the South went to the polls, up from 41.8% in 1982. The study attributed the increase in voter turnout to a number of factors, including the depressed state of the agriculture and energy economy in the region, the severe cutbacks in federal programs, and the highly inflammatory nature of the campaigns waged by the candidates. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, December 1, 1986
Date Created
1986-12-01
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding study by the Voter Education Project and the Atlanta University Policy Center, which found that voter turnout in the South increased significantly in the 1986 congressional and senatorial elections. The study found that 51.9% of registered voters in the South went to the polls, up from 41.8% in 1982. The study attributed the increase in voter turnout to a number of factors, including the depressed state of the agriculture and energy economy in the region, the severe cutbacks in federal programs, and the highly inflammatory nature of the campaigns waged by the candidates. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study by the Voter Education Project and the Atlanta University Policy Center, which found that the Black vote was crucial to Wyche Fowler's victory in the 1986 Senate race in Georgia. The study found that Black voters turned out at a higher rate than white voters, and they voted overwhelmingly for Fowler. The study also found that Mattingly's endorsement by Ronald Reagan was a major factor in the decline in Black support for him. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, November 10, 1986
Date Created
1986-11-10
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study by the Voter Education Project and the Atlanta University Policy Center, which found that the Black vote was crucial to Wyche Fowler's victory in the 1986 Senate race in Georgia. The study found that Black voters turned out at a higher rate than white voters, and they voted overwhelmingly for Fowler. The study also found that Mattingly's endorsement by Ronald Reagan was a major factor in the decline in Black support for him. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study by the Voter Education Project (VEP) and the Atlanta University Policy Center, which found that Black turnout was not significantly higher than white turnout in the August 12, 1988 Democratic primaries in the 5th Congressional District of Georgia. The study found that 32.5% of Black voters and 31.1% of white voters cast ballots in the Democratic primary, and that only 21.1% of Black voters and 19.1% of white voters cast ballots that actually impacted the outcome of the race. The study also found that the outcome of the Republican primary was determined by the white vote, as only 1.6% of voters cast ballots for the three Republican candidates. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, August 28, 1986
Date Created
1986-08-28
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study by the Voter Education Project (VEP) and the Atlanta University Policy Center, which found that Black turnout was not significantly higher than white turnout in the August 12, 1988 Democratic primaries in the 5th Congressional District of Georgia. The study found that 32.5% of Black voters and 31.1% of white voters cast ballots in the Democratic primary, and that only 21.1% of Black voters and 19.1% of white voters cast ballots that actually impacted the outcome of the race. The study also found that the outcome of the Republican primary was determined by the white vote, as only 1.6% of voters cast ballots for the three Republican candidates. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Flyer listing registration deadline and voting day. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voting Is a Responsibility, Not Just a Right", 1986
Date Created
1986
Description
Flyer listing registration deadline and voting day. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Political posters, Voter registration, Voting
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A brief history of the VEP, with a plan and objections for the program in 1986. 11 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Introduction of the VEP, With Plan for 1986
Date Created
1985/1988
Description
A brief history of the VEP, with a plan and objections for the program in 1986. 11 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 between Geraldine Thompson and Marlene K. Cohn discussing the final stages of developing a publication, "Electoral Participation: Gateway to Democracy" and outline of the publication. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Geraldine Thompson and Marlene K. Cohn, October 17, 1985
Date Created
1985-10-17
Description
Correspondence between Geraldine Thompson and Marlene K. Cohn discussing the final stages of developing a publication, "Electoral Participation: Gateway to Democracy" and outline of the publication. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Women--Societies and clubs
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Targeting the Women's Vote" address before the National Women's Political Caucus report by Paul O. Wilson, president of National Election Services Cooperation. 21 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Targeting the Women's Vote" Address Before the National Women's Political Caucus, June 27, 1985
Date Created
1985-06-27
Description
"Targeting the Women's Vote" address before the National Women's Political Caucus report by Paul O. Wilson, president of National Election Services Cooperation. 21 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project issuing a resolution urging the U.S. Senate to reject the confirmation of William Bradford Reynolds as Associate Attorney General of the United States. VEP believed that Reynolds was not qualified for the position and that his confirmation would further entrench the ongoing reversal in civil rights. VEP cited Reynolds' opposition to the renewal of the Voting Rights Act, his misinterpretation of the law, and his attempts to give tax exemptions to segregated schools as evidence of his unsuitability for the position. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, June 19, 1985
Date Created
1985-06-19
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project issuing a resolution urging the U.S. Senate to reject the confirmation of William Bradford Reynolds as Associate Attorney General of the United States. VEP believed that Reynolds was not qualified for the position and that his confirmation would further entrench the ongoing reversal in civil rights. VEP cited Reynolds' opposition to the renewal of the Voting Rights Act, his misinterpretation of the law, and his attempts to give tax exemptions to segregated schools as evidence of his unsuitability for the position. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project discussing how Black candidates for municipal, county, and state offices faced primary and general elections in 1985 throughout the South. There were several important races, including the contest for Lieutenant Governor in Virginia, the mayor's race in Jackson, Mississippi, and municipal elections in Georgia and Alabama under new single-member district election plans. The Voter Education Project (VEP) encouraged Black voters to participate in these elections and to let their power be felt. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, May 7, 1985
Date Created
1985-05-07
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project discussing how Black candidates for municipal, county, and state offices faced primary and general elections in 1985 throughout the South. There were several important races, including the contest for Lieutenant Governor in Virginia, the mayor's race in Jackson, Mississippi, and municipal elections in Georgia and Alabama under new single-member district election plans. The Voter Education Project (VEP) encouraged Black voters to participate in these elections and to let their power be felt. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Demographic surveys
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study, which found that Black voter turnout in Tennessee was significantly lower than white voter turnout in the 1984 presidential election. The study found that only 40% of age-eligible Blacks in Tennessee voted, compared to 50.1% of age-eligible whites. The study also found that Black voters were more likely to vote for Walter Mondale than Ronald Reagan, while white voters were more likely to vote for Reagan. The VEP study suggested that claims that Reagan received as much as 10% or 12% of the Black vote nationwide were questionable. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, March 25, 1985
Date Created
1985-03-25
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study, which found that Black voter turnout in Tennessee was significantly lower than white voter turnout in the 1984 presidential election. The study found that only 40% of age-eligible Blacks in Tennessee voted, compared to 50.1% of age-eligible whites. The study also found that Black voters were more likely to vote for Walter Mondale than Ronald Reagan, while white voters were more likely to vote for Reagan. The VEP study suggested that claims that Reagan received as much as 10% or 12% of the Black vote nationwide were questionable. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study, which found that Black voter turnout in Texas was significantly lower than white voter turnout in the 1984 presidential election. The study found that only 41% of age-eligible Blacks in Texas voted, compared to 57% of age-eligible whites. The study also found that Black voters were more likely to vote for Walter Mondale than Ronald Reagan, while white voters were more likely to vote for Reagan. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, March 21, 1985
Date Created
1985-03-21
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study, which found that Black voter turnout in Texas was significantly lower than white voter turnout in the 1984 presidential election. The study found that only 41% of age-eligible Blacks in Texas voted, compared to 57% of age-eligible whites. The study also found that Black voters were more likely to vote for Walter Mondale than Ronald Reagan, while white voters were more likely to vote for Reagan. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Demographic surveys
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study, which found that Ronald Reagan received less than 1% of the Black vote in Florida in the 1984 presidential election. The study also found that Black voter turnout in Florida was significantly lower than white voter turnout. The study suggested that exit polls released soon after the election overestimated the Black vote for Reagan. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, March 20, 1985
Date Created
1985-03-20
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study, which found that Ronald Reagan received less than 1% of the Black vote in Florida in the 1984 presidential election. The study also found that Black voter turnout in Florida was significantly lower than white voter turnout. The study suggested that exit polls released soon after the election overestimated the Black vote for Reagan. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The 20th Anniversary Commemoration of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March was successful in generating community support and bringing attention to ongoing issues in voter registration and civil rights, with a delegation of Black leaders meeting with Alabama Governor George Wallace to discuss abolishing at-large election schemes, expanding job opportunities for Blacks, and the upcoming trial of the Perry County 3, while a survey conducted by the Black Women's Voter Project of VEP found that over 90% of Black women interviewed said they have seen the need to continue voter registration efforts because of the march. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Reflections on the Selma March and Plans for the Future", March 8, 1985
Date Created
1985--03-08
Description
The 20th Anniversary Commemoration of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March was successful in generating community support and bringing attention to ongoing issues in voter registration and civil rights, with a delegation of Black leaders meeting with Alabama Governor George Wallace to discuss abolishing at-large election schemes, expanding job opportunities for Blacks, and the upcoming trial of the Perry County 3, while a survey conducted by the Black Women's Voter Project of VEP found that over 90% of Black women interviewed said they have seen the need to continue voter registration efforts because of the march. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers, African American women
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
During 1984, the National Coalition sponsored OPERATION BIG VOTE coalitions in 25 states and the District of Columbia, resulting in the highest ever reported Black voter registration at 66.3 percent, an increase in turnout to 56 percent, and the net gain of 2.5 million voters, with plans to continue nationwide operations in the future. 6 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Operation Big Vote Newsletter, February 27, 1985
Date Created
1985-02-27
Description
During 1984, the National Coalition sponsored OPERATION BIG VOTE coalitions in 25 states and the District of Columbia, resulting in the highest ever reported Black voter registration at 66.3 percent, an increase in turnout to 56 percent, and the net gain of 2.5 million voters, with plans to continue nationwide operations in the future. 6 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Voting, Groups and organizations
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A nonprofit voter registration organization newsletter focusing on decreasing voting gaps between Black and White voters, as well as an increase in women's participation in voting, largely due to organized voter registration efforts by human service agencies and other groups, although some pessimistic views were expressed regarding the overall turnout increase and its implications for declining voter participation trends, and the upcoming 1986 Senate elections were expected to feature hotly contested races with sharp ideological differences. 5 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Human Serve Fund Newsletter, February 20, 1985
Date Created
1985-02-20
Description
A nonprofit voter registration organization newsletter focusing on decreasing voting gaps between Black and White voters, as well as an increase in women's participation in voting, largely due to organized voter registration efforts by human service agencies and other groups, although some pessimistic views were expressed regarding the overall turnout increase and its implications for declining voter participation trends, and the upcoming 1986 Senate elections were expected to feature hotly contested races with sharp ideological differences. 5 pages.
Subject
Voter registration, African American women, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Flyer listing voting locations and voting issues in the special election. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"It is Time for a Change", 1985
Date Created
1985
Description
Flyer listing voting locations and voting issues in the special election. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Political posters, Voter registration, Voting
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A brief history of the VEP, with a plan, goals and budget for the program. 11 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Introduction of the VEP with Budget Report, circa 1985
Date Created
1984/1987
Description
A brief history of the VEP, with a plan, goals and budget for the program. 11 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
A Voter Education Project survey reported record numbers of Black voters registered in Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, with a 16 percent increase in Georgia since 1980, but despite this increase, there are still about 500,000 unregistered Black voters in Georgia, according to Charles McCant, the assistant director of field operations for the Atlanta-based VEP. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"State Drive Hikes Black Voters 16 Percent", November 13, 1984
Date Created
1984-11-13
Description
A Voter Education Project survey reported record numbers of Black voters registered in Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, with a 16 percent increase in Georgia since 1980, but despite this increase, there are still about 500,000 unregistered Black voters in Georgia, according to Charles McCant, the assistant director of field operations for the Atlanta-based VEP. 1 page.
Subject
Groups and organizations, Voter registration, African American civil rights workers, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The National Right to Work Committee is reportedly spending $100,000 this year to place approximately 100 private investigators, including many from Miller and Associates, in union political operations, voter registration organizations, and other groups, in an attempt to identify alleged violations of federal election law and misuse of funds by unions, the Mondale-Ferraro campaign, and tax-exempt organizations. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Investigators Infiltrate Union Political Groups", October 19, 1984
Date Created
1984-10-19
Description
The National Right to Work Committee is reportedly spending $100,000 this year to place approximately 100 private investigators, including many from Miller and Associates, in union political operations, voter registration organizations, and other groups, in an attempt to identify alleged violations of federal election law and misuse of funds by unions, the Mondale-Ferraro campaign, and tax-exempt organizations. 1 page.
Subject
Groups and organizations, Labor, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The League of Women Voters of Georgia, a nonpartisan organization providing election information through its voter service program presents this guide to candidates and Constitutional Amendments for the November 6, 1984 General Election. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Candidates and Constitutional Amendments", October 1984
Date Created
1984-10
Description
The League of Women Voters of Georgia, a nonpartisan organization providing election information through its voter service program presents this guide to candidates and Constitutional Amendments for the November 6, 1984 General Election. 4 pages.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Suffrage, Groups and organizations
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study by the Voter Education Project (VEP), which found that Southern congressional representatives were not responsive to Black concerns. The study found that the average Southern representative received a low rating on a Black Concerns Scale, and that there was considerable variation among the states in their degree of responsiveness. The study also found that Republican representatives were much more nonresponsive to Black concerns than Democratic representatives. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, August 28, 1984
Date Created
1984-08-28
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study by the Voter Education Project (VEP), which found that Southern congressional representatives were not responsive to Black concerns. The study found that the average Southern representative received a low rating on a Black Concerns Scale, and that there was considerable variation among the states in their degree of responsiveness. The study also found that Republican representatives were much more nonresponsive to Black concerns than Democratic representatives. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding analysis of four factors that could determine whether the white incumbent in Georgia's Fifth Congressional District would be unseated by one of his four Black challengers. The factors were the Black turnout rate, the white turnout rate, the black crossover rate, and the white crossover rate. The VEP analysis showed that a close election was possible, but a clear win for the incumbent or one of the Black challengers was also possible. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, August 13, 1984
Date Created
1984-08-13
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding analysis of four factors that could determine whether the white incumbent in Georgia's Fifth Congressional District would be unseated by one of his four Black challengers. The factors were the Black turnout rate, the white turnout rate, the black crossover rate, and the white crossover rate. The VEP analysis showed that a close election was possible, but a clear win for the incumbent or one of the Black challengers was also possible. 3 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Demographic surveys
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP research department essay by Brian Sherman, Ph.D. and K. Farouk Brimah on the increase of participation in voting by the Black population in the South, listing states and percentages. 16 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Increase and Impact: Black Participation in Southern Electoral Politics During the First Half of 1984", July
Date Created
1984-07-25
Author
Sherman, Brian, Brimah, K. Farouk
Description
VEP research department essay by Brian Sherman, Ph.D. and K. Farouk Brimah on the increase of participation in voting by the Black population in the South, listing states and percentages. 16 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
"More Blacks are turning to the politics of frustration", "Federal workers await voter registration rule", and "Rev. Jesse Jackson and his "tribal politics". 6 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"More Blacks are Turning to the Politics of Frustration", July 15, 1984
Date Created
1984-07-15
Description
"More Blacks are turning to the politics of frustration", "Federal workers await voter registration rule", and "Rev. Jesse Jackson and his "tribal politics". 6 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, Voter registration, Race discrimination, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study by the Voter Education Project, which found that Ken Moseley, a Black, won the South Carolina second congressional district primary because of a higher Black turnout rate and a higher Black crossover vote. Moseley received 87% of his votes from Blacks and 13% from whites, while Stevenson received 64% of her votes from whites and 36% from Blacks. The results from the Second Congressional District followed trends observed elsewhere in the south in the 1984 primaries, where Blacks were participating in Democratic primaries at a much higher rate than whites and were having a significant impact on the selection of the party's candidates. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, July 2, 1984
Date Created
1984-07-02
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study by the Voter Education Project, which found that Ken Moseley, a Black, won the South Carolina second congressional district primary because of a higher Black turnout rate and a higher Black crossover vote. Moseley received 87% of his votes from Blacks and 13% from whites, while Stevenson received 64% of her votes from whites and 36% from Blacks. The results from the Second Congressional District followed trends observed elsewhere in the south in the 1984 primaries, where Blacks were participating in Democratic primaries at a much higher rate than whites and were having a significant impact on the selection of the party's candidates. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Demographic surveys
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study of the May 8 gubernatorial primary in North Carolina, which found that Rufus Edmisten was the first choice among white voters, while Edward "Eddie" Knox was the first choice among Black voters. Knox was also second among white voters, while Edmisten was second among Black voters. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, May 29, 1984
Date Created
1984-05-29
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study of the May 8 gubernatorial primary in North Carolina, which found that Rufus Edmisten was the first choice among white voters, while Edward "Eddie" Knox was the first choice among Black voters. Knox was also second among white voters, while Edmisten was second among Black voters. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Demographic surveys
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study by the Voter Education Project, which found that Ken Spaulding, a Black challenger, lost the Democratic primary in North Carolina's second congressional district to Tim Valentine, the white incumbent. Spaulding received strong support from Black voters, but he was not able to win over enough white voters outside of Durham County. Valentine received 31.8% of the white vote, which was enough to secure his victory. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, May 27, 1984
Date Created
1984-05-27
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study by the Voter Education Project, which found that Ken Spaulding, a Black challenger, lost the Democratic primary in North Carolina's second congressional district to Tim Valentine, the white incumbent. Spaulding received strong support from Black voters, but he was not able to win over enough white voters outside of Durham County. Valentine received 31.8% of the white vote, which was enough to secure his victory. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Demographic surveys
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study of the May 8 presidential primary in North Carolina, which found that the Black vote was crucial to Jesse Jackson's strong showing, and it also provided the critical edge Walter Mondale needed to beat Gary Hart in the overall voting. Hart came in first by a very slim margin among white voters, but Mondale received 13.5% of the Black vote, which was fifteen times greater than the 0.9% of the Black vote that went to Hart. Jackson received 84.2% of the Black vote, with the remaining 1.4% going to other candidates or uncommitted. The Black vote was also crucial because the crossover vote by Blacks was almost twice as great as the crossover vote by whites. 15.6% of the Blacks voting cast their ballots for a white candidate, whereas only 8.6% of the whites voted for the Black candidate. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, May 15, 1984
Date Created
1984-05-15
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study of the May 8 presidential primary in North Carolina, which found that the Black vote was crucial to Jesse Jackson's strong showing, and it also provided the critical edge Walter Mondale needed to beat Gary Hart in the overall voting. Hart came in first by a very slim margin among white voters, but Mondale received 13.5% of the Black vote, which was fifteen times greater than the 0.9% of the Black vote that went to Hart. Jackson received 84.2% of the Black vote, with the remaining 1.4% going to other candidates or uncommitted. The Black vote was also crucial because the crossover vote by Blacks was almost twice as great as the crossover vote by whites. 15.6% of the Blacks voting cast their ballots for a white candidate, whereas only 8.6% of the whites voted for the Black candidate. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Demographic surveys
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Black-voter registration and turnout has increased dramatically in the past year, with some of the highest increases occurring in the South, and while Rev. Jesse L. Jackson's presidential candidacy is often credited with this phenomenon, analysts argue that the Reagan Administration's policies, particularly its effort to weaken the Voting Rights Act, played a significant role in spurring voter registration drives and increasing Black voter turnout. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Registration Drive Preceded Jackson's", May 6, 1984
Date Created
1984-05-06
Description
Black-voter registration and turnout has increased dramatically in the past year, with some of the highest increases occurring in the South, and while Rev. Jesse L. Jackson's presidential candidacy is often credited with this phenomenon, analysts argue that the Reagan Administration's policies, particularly its effort to weaken the Voting Rights Act, played a significant role in spurring voter registration drives and increasing Black voter turnout. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
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
Black voter registration has increased almost 2-to-1 compared to White voter registration in the past 18 months in North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District, potentially giving state Rep. Kenneth B. Spaulding, a Black candidate, an advantage in his bid to defeat the White incumbent, I.T. "Tim" Valentine, for the Democratic nomination in the upcoming primary election, where Black voters are expected to turn out in large numbers, spurred by Jesse L. Jackson's presidential candidacy. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"New Black Voters Outnumber Whites Nearly 2 to 1", April 18, 1984
Date Created
1984-04-18
Description
Black voter registration has increased almost 2-to-1 compared to White voter registration in the past 18 months in North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District, potentially giving state Rep. Kenneth B. Spaulding, a Black candidate, an advantage in his bid to defeat the White incumbent, I.T. "Tim" Valentine, for the Democratic nomination in the upcoming primary election, where Black voters are expected to turn out in large numbers, spurred by Jesse L. Jackson's presidential candidacy. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Doonesbury comic pointing out how Ronald Reagan running for president spurred may Blacks to register to vote. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Reagan Comic Strip, 1984
Date Created
1984
Description
Doonesbury comic pointing out how Ronald Reagan running for president spurred may Blacks to register to vote. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Making Democracy Work" brochure expressing the history, actions, and goals of the VEP.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Making Democracy Work" VEP Brochure, circa 1988
Date Created
1983/1993
Description
"Making Democracy Work" brochure expressing the history, actions, and goals of the VEP.
Subject
Associations, institutions, etc., Voter registration, Voting
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Republican incumbent George Israel won the mayoral general election in Macon, Georgia with 44.1% of the city's Black vote, while only 45% of registered voters participated in the election, and White voters overwhelmingly supported Israel. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, December 1, 1983
Date Created
1983--12-01
Description
The Republican incumbent George Israel won the mayoral general election in Macon, Georgia with 44.1% of the city's Black vote, while only 45% of registered voters participated in the election, and White voters overwhelmingly supported Israel. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, African Americans--Civil rights, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding analysis of the Mississippi gubernatorial election, which confirmed that Black voters provided the margin of victory for Democrat Bill Allain. Allain received 46% of the white vote, but 84% of the Black vote. Voter turnout was 48%, with 49% of white registrants and 47% of Black registrants voting. The remaining three candidates in the election received only tiny percentages of the vote. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, November 28, 1983
Date Created
1983-11-28
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding analysis of the Mississippi gubernatorial election, which confirmed that Black voters provided the margin of victory for Democrat Bill Allain. Allain received 46% of the white vote, but 84% of the Black vote. Voter turnout was 48%, with 49% of white registrants and 47% of Black registrants voting. The remaining three candidates in the election received only tiny percentages of the vote. 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 Voter Education Project is hosting a Contemporary Conference on Voting Rights Issues at Virginia Union College, which aims to increase Black voter registration and participation, examine the obstacles to achieving equal Black representation, and discuss strategies for elevating registration and increasing the level of sophistication and staying power of Black registered voters in the state of Virginia and the South. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, November 23, 1983
Date Created
1983--11-23
Description
The Voter Education Project is hosting a Contemporary Conference on Voting Rights Issues at Virginia Union College, which aims to increase Black voter registration and participation, examine the obstacles to achieving equal Black representation, and discuss strategies for elevating registration and increasing the level of sophistication and staying power of Black registered voters in the state of Virginia and the South. 4 pages.
Subject
African American civil rights workers, Voter registration, Voting, African Americans--Civil rights, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Jesse Jackson urged Black students at Albany State College to join his "Rainbow Coalition" and register to vote in the 1984 presidential election, and also spoke to a convention of Black Baptists about the need for economic common ground and the restoration of moral tone in America, while expanding the Democratic Party and criticizing Congress for its refusal to pass a new Equal Rights Amendment and the recent deployment of U.S. cruise missiles in Europe and occupation of Grenada. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Students Answer Jackson's Plea by Registering", November 17, 1983
Date Created
1983-11-17
Description
Jesse Jackson urged Black students at Albany State College to join his "Rainbow Coalition" and register to vote in the 1984 presidential election, and also spoke to a convention of Black Baptists about the need for economic common ground and the restoration of moral tone in America, while expanding the Democratic Party and criticizing Congress for its refusal to pass a new Equal Rights Amendment and the recent deployment of U.S. cruise missiles in Europe and occupation of Grenada. 1 page.
Subject
Groups and organizations, African Americans--Civil rights, Political campaigns, Political participation, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a report that found that there were 88 counties in the South where Blacks had a majority of the voting age population. However, Blacks only held 26% of the elected offices in these counties. The report attributed this to barriers in Black voter registration and participation, such as inaccessible registration sites, inconvenient hours for registration, and economic threats. The Voter Education Project also announced plans to register 500,000 blacks by the Fall of 1984 in order to increase Black representation in these counties. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, November 15, 1983
Date Created
1983-11-15
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a report that found that there were 88 counties in the South where Blacks had a majority of the voting age population. However, Blacks only held 26% of the elected offices in these counties. The report attributed this to barriers in Black voter registration and participation, such as inaccessible registration sites, inconvenient hours for registration, and economic threats. The Voter Education Project also announced plans to register 500,000 blacks by the Fall of 1984 in order to increase Black representation in these counties. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Demographic surveys
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A recent Census Bureau report revealed that Southerners, particularly Georgians, had lower voter turnout compared to other regions in the United States during the previous year's general election, with only 38.6 percent of Georgia's voting age population reporting that they voted, the fourth lowest turnout among all states and the District of Columbia. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Georgians Not Big on Voting", November 11, 1983
Date Created
1983-11-11
Description
A recent Census Bureau report revealed that Southerners, particularly Georgians, had lower voter turnout compared to other regions in the United States during the previous year's general election, with only 38.6 percent of Georgia's voting age population reporting that they voted, the fourth lowest turnout among all states and the District of Columbia. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Political participation, Voting, Demographic surveys
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records