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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The author alerts their research findings to show more racial polarization in the November 6 election than the exit polls, and disagrees with those who claim exit polls are more accurate, citing examples of discrepancies in past elections and flaws in sampling and self-reporting, and challenges the argument that behavior in mixed precincts is different from all-Black or all-white precincts, and suggests that exit polls gain credibility through exposure but may not necessarily be accurate. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence From Brian to Geraldine Thompson, November 28, 1984
Date Created
1984-11-28
Description
The author alerts their research findings to show more racial polarization in the November 6 election than the exit polls, and disagrees with those who claim exit polls are more accurate, citing examples of discrepancies in past elections and flaws in sampling and self-reporting, and challenges the argument that behavior in mixed precincts is different from all-Black or all-white precincts, and suggests that exit polls gain credibility through exposure but may not necessarily be accurate. 2 pages.
Subject
Voting, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, Race discrimination
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The results of a Voter Education Project study show that an estimated 3.3 million Black voters went to the polls in the South during the 1984 election, representing an increase of 586,000 over the previous election, with the increase due to both population growth and registration drives, and the vast majority of Black voters supported Walter Mondale. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Record Number of Blacks Voted in the South", November 24, 1984
Date Created
1984-11-24
Description
The results of a Voter Education Project study show that an estimated 3.3 million Black voters went to the polls in the South during the 1984 election, representing an increase of 586,000 over the previous election, with the increase due to both population growth and registration drives, and the vast majority of Black voters supported Walter Mondale. 1 page.
Subject
Groups and organizations, Political participation, Voting
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 article discusses the gender gap in the 1984 Presidential election, which refers to the difference in voting patterns between men and women. Despite President Reagan's sweeping victory, the gender gap remained a significant feature of the political landscape, with Mr. Mondale's biggest women's majorities coming from minority groups. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Despite the Reagan Sweep, a Gender Gap Remains", November 13, 1984
Date Created
1984-11-13
Description
The article discusses the gender gap in the 1984 Presidential election, which refers to the difference in voting patterns between men and women. Despite President Reagan's sweeping victory, the gender gap remained a significant feature of the political landscape, with Mr. Mondale's biggest women's majorities coming from minority groups. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, Voting
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The article discusses the results of the debates between President Reagan and Walter F. Mondale, highlighting the fact that, despite Reagan's shortcomings in terms of working hours, knowledge of important issues, coherence, and embarrassing public utterances, he comes across as a good-natured man who is liked even better for those faults and is likely to win the election. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"'Good Natured Man' Reagan Has the Voters Under His Spell", October 24, 1984
Date Created
1984-10-24
Description
The article discusses the results of the debates between President Reagan and Walter F. Mondale, highlighting the fact that, despite Reagan's shortcomings in terms of working hours, knowledge of important issues, coherence, and embarrassing public utterances, he comes across as a good-natured man who is liked even better for those faults and is likely to win the election. 1 page.
Subject
Political campaigns, Political participation, Presidents
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 article discusses the success of women candidates in the Sept. 29 elections in New Orleans, where women won several political positions, breaking the tradition of bias against women in politics in the city and statewide. 14 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Women Doing Well, Election Wise", and "Election Results, Racially Speaking", October 3, 1984
Date Created
1984-10-03
Description
The article discusses the success of women candidates in the Sept. 29 elections in New Orleans, where women won several political positions, breaking the tradition of bias against women in politics in the city and statewide. 14 pages.
Subject
Political participation, Voting, African American women, Political campaigns
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
Jesse Jackson criticized the United States' "arrogance" in Central America during his second major foreign trip of his Democratic presidential campaign, finding support among Mexican government officials for his condemnation of President Reagan's Central American policies and peace plan, which emphasizes negotiation and dialogue rather than force and monologue, and calls for ending military aid to El Salvador, normalizing relations with Cuba, ending support for anti-Sandinista rebels in Nicaragua, and ending U.S. military involvement or assistance in Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Jackson's Attacks on Reagan Wins Mexican Leaders", May 29, 1984
Date Created
1984-05-29
Description
Jesse Jackson criticized the United States' "arrogance" in Central America during his second major foreign trip of his Democratic presidential campaign, finding support among Mexican government officials for his condemnation of President Reagan's Central American policies and peace plan, which emphasizes negotiation and dialogue rather than force and monologue, and calls for ending military aid to El Salvador, normalizing relations with Cuba, ending support for anti-Sandinista rebels in Nicaragua, and ending U.S. military involvement or assistance in Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, International relations, Political campaigns
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
"Discrimination Hearing Set", "DeKalb awaiting justice review of vote legislation", and " A Sumter County non-solution". 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Discrimination Hearing Set", "Dekalb Awaiting Justice Review of Vote Legislation", May 24, 1984
Date Created
1984-05-24
Description
"Discrimination Hearing Set", "DeKalb awaiting justice review of vote legislation", and " A Sumter County non-solution". 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, Race discrimination, Dispute Resolution
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
The Atlanta City Council adopts legislation, prompted by the ACLU, to end racial and gender discrimination in several Atlanta gay bars, requiring establishments selling alcohol to make a good faith effort to ascertain legal drinking age and to post a notice at the point of entry reading, "You may be requested to show no more than one currently valid picture of identification with name and date affixed as issued by any agency of government". 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"New Anti-Discrimination Law Passes in Atlanta", February 1984
Date Created
1984-02
Description
The Atlanta City Council adopts legislation, prompted by the ACLU, to end racial and gender discrimination in several Atlanta gay bars, requiring establishments selling alcohol to make a good faith effort to ascertain legal drinking age and to post a notice at the point of entry reading, "You may be requested to show no more than one currently valid picture of identification with name and date affixed as issued by any agency of government". 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Race discrimination, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Sexual minorities
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Increase and Impact: Black participation in Southern politics, 1984", and "Project votes reaches the poor". 8 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Increase and Impact: Black Participation in Southern Politics, 1984", Summer 1984
Date Created
1984
Description
"Increase and Impact: Black participation in Southern politics, 1984", and "Project votes reaches the poor". 8 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, Political participation, Voting
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
Renita Jimmar, a 23-year-old supervisor for American Telephone and Telegraph, became Leighton's first Black mayor-elect after winning the July 10 election with 230 votes, defeating the incumbent Eugene Boatwright, and plans to work on improving the town's recreational facilities for young people and obtaining federal funds for housing, water, and sewer improvements. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"She Has to Bone Up as New Head of Leighton", 1984
Date Created
1984
Description
Renita Jimmar, a 23-year-old supervisor for American Telephone and Telegraph, became Leighton's first Black mayor-elect after winning the July 10 election with 230 votes, defeating the incumbent Eugene Boatwright, and plans to work on improving the town's recreational facilities for young people and obtaining federal funds for housing, water, and sewer improvements. 1 page.
Subject
African American mayors, African Americans--Social conditions, Voting, African Americans--Civil rights
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
Article on how the Voter Education Project plans to file a lawsuit against Pulaski County seeking to abolish the one-member county commission in 24 Georgia counties, arguing that they are unconstitutional and discriminate against minorities. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Anderson Says VEP Lawsuit Has Little Support in Pulaski", December 21, 1983
Date Created
1983-12-21
Description
Article on how the Voter Education Project plans to file a lawsuit against Pulaski County seeking to abolish the one-member county commission in 24 Georgia counties, arguing that they are unconstitutional and discriminate against minorities. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights, Race discrimination, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article on how Birmingham city officials are taking steps to address women's issues by appointing a new staff member with special responsibilities for women's issues and forming a new women's commission to review concerns relating to women, including family violence problems. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Arrington Fills Staff Post on Women's Issues", December 20, 1983
Date Created
1983-12-20
Description
Article on how Birmingham city officials are taking steps to address women's issues by appointing a new staff member with special responsibilities for women's issues and forming a new women's commission to review concerns relating to women, including family violence problems. 1 page.
Subject
African American women, African Americans--Politics and government, African American families
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Atlanta-based Voter Education Project, led by Charles McCant, plans to challenge a county in federal court by January 14, 1984 in their effort to dismantle "one man governing boards" in Georgia that they deem undemocratic and Nazi-like, with a determination based on the Black voting age population in the targeted county and a focus on examining the racial composition of county boards of education during their tour of five counties from December 12-16. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"One Man County Boards Targeted for Lawsuit", December 8, 1983
Date Created
1983--12-08
Description
The Atlanta-based Voter Education Project, led by Charles McCant, plans to challenge a county in federal court by January 14, 1984 in their effort to dismantle "one man governing boards" in Georgia that they deem undemocratic and Nazi-like, with a determination based on the Black voting age population in the targeted county and a focus on examining the racial composition of county boards of education during their tour of five counties from December 12-16. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civil rights workers, Race discrimination
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article on Macon Mayor George Israel, and how his coalition building methods has made him popular in both Democratic and Republican Parties. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Macon Mayor Adds Liberal Touch to Reagan Campaign in Georgia", December 4, 1983
Date Created
1983-12-04
Description
Article on Macon Mayor George Israel, and how his coalition building methods has made him popular in both Democratic and Republican Parties. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders, Political participation
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
A report by the Voter Education Project reveals that 88 counties across the southern United States have Black majority populations, and 65 of those have Black majorities of voting age, yet only 26% of elected officials are Black, which is attributed to persisting barriers to Black voter registration and participation. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"VEP Report Shows 88 Southern Black Majority Counties: But Political Progress Stalled", November 15, 1983
Date Created
1983--11-15
Description
A report by the Voter Education Project reveals that 88 counties across the southern United States have Black majority populations, and 65 of those have Black majorities of voting age, yet only 26% of elected officials are Black, which is attributed to persisting barriers to Black voter registration and participation. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
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
Louisiana Black voters played a crucial role in electing Governor-elect Edwin Edwards with 93% of their votes in the open primary, and Voter Education Project officials stated that increasing Black voter registration could significantly increase their political power in future elections. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, November 10, 1983
Date Created
1983--11-10
Description
Louisiana Black voters played a crucial role in electing Governor-elect Edwin Edwards with 93% of their votes in the open primary, and Voter Education Project officials stated that increasing Black voter registration could significantly increase their political power in future elections. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Political participation, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project reporting that Black voters in Louisiana played a decisive role in the victory of Governor-elect Edwin Edwards. VEP officials said that Edwards received 93% of the Black vote in the open primary, while Republican incumbent David Treen received only 3.2%. VEP also said that Black voter strength in Louisiana could be increased dramatically by the 1984 elections, as almost 50% of Blacks of voting age in Louisiana were not yet registered to vote. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, November 10, 1983
Date Created
1983-11-10
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project reporting that Black voters in Louisiana played a decisive role in the victory of Governor-elect Edwin Edwards. VEP officials said that Edwards received 93% of the Black vote in the open primary, while Republican incumbent David Treen received only 3.2%. VEP also said that Black voter strength in Louisiana could be increased dramatically by the 1984 elections, as almost 50% of Blacks of voting age in Louisiana were not yet registered to 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
Newsletter on Grenada and the strategic importance of the country in the Caribbean. From the Republican National Committee. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Grenada, Defending Freedom", November 4, 1983
Date Created
1983-11-04
Description
Newsletter on Grenada and the strategic importance of the country in the Caribbean. From the Republican National Committee. 4 pages.
Subject
Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Civil rights activist and Atlanta city councilman John Lewis received the Martin Luther King Jr. Award at the annual Voter Education Project banquet for his work in voter registration and education, and spoke optimistically about the progress towards a biracial democracy in the South, after having been beaten unconscious four times and jailed over 40 times for his civil rights and voter registration efforts. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"John Lewis Gets Award From VEP", October 28, 1983
Date Created
1983-10-28
Description
Civil rights activist and Atlanta city councilman John Lewis received the Martin Luther King Jr. Award at the annual Voter Education Project banquet for his work in voter registration and education, and spoke optimistically about the progress towards a biracial democracy in the South, after having been beaten unconscious four times and jailed over 40 times for his civil rights and voter registration efforts. 1 page.
Subject
African American civil rights workers, Voter registration, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release announcing "The Plight of Black Colleges and Universities: The Political Impact" conference held at the Robert W. Woodruff Library in Atlanta, Georgia on October 28, 1983. The conference will address the threat to historically Black colleges and universities and explore solutions such as merger strategies, converting them into vocational institutions, and increasing voter registration among Black students. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"The Plight of Black Colleges and Universities: The Political Impact", October 27, 1983
Date Created
1983--10-27
Description
VEP Press Release announcing "The Plight of Black Colleges and Universities: The Political Impact" conference held at the Robert W. Woodruff Library in Atlanta, Georgia on October 28, 1983. The conference will address the threat to historically Black colleges and universities and explore solutions such as merger strategies, converting them into vocational institutions, and increasing voter registration among Black students. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American students, African American universities and colleges, Special events, Voting, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project discussing Congressman William Gray's shock and dismay at the U.S. military intervention in Grenada. He said that he was assured by the State Department officials that no military intervention would occur, and that he was concerned about the potential for military confrontation with Cuba and the Soviet Union. Gray also criticized the Reagan administration for isolating Grenada, which he said contributed to the instability of the former Grenadian government. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, October 26, 1983
Date Created
1983-10-26
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project discussing Congressman William Gray's shock and dismay at the U.S. military intervention in Grenada. He said that he was assured by the State Department officials that no military intervention would occur, and that he was concerned about the potential for military confrontation with Cuba and the Soviet Union. Gray also criticized the Reagan administration for isolating Grenada, which he said contributed to the instability of the former Grenadian government. 2 pages.
Subject
African American civic leaders, International relations, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Voter Education Project's Twenty-First Anniversary Banquet at the Atlanta Omni International Hotel on October 27, 7:30 P.M., will feature Congressman William H. Gray, III as keynote speaker and honor City Councilman John Lewis with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for his contributions to the struggle for voting rights and increasing Black voter registration, while the Mexican Tourist Industry and American Airlines will sponsor a door prize at the VEP dinner. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, October 24, 1983
Date Created
1983--10-24
Description
The Voter Education Project's Twenty-First Anniversary Banquet at the Atlanta Omni International Hotel on October 27, 7:30 P.M., will feature Congressman William H. Gray, III as keynote speaker and honor City Councilman John Lewis with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for his contributions to the struggle for voting rights and increasing Black voter registration, while the Mexican Tourist Industry and American Airlines will sponsor a door prize at the VEP dinner. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article on how the VEP has helped register four million Black voters and increase the number of Black elected officials in the South from 72 in 1965 to early 3,000 in recent times, with most of the VEP's budget coming from foundations, grants are made to local groups ranging from $150 to $2,000, and the organization still encounters voter intimidation in some areas. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voting Project Fills Rolls 21 years", October 23, 1983
Date Created
1983-10-23
Description
Article on how the VEP has helped register four million Black voters and increase the number of Black elected officials in the South from 72 in 1965 to early 3,000 in recent times, with most of the VEP's budget coming from foundations, grants are made to local groups ranging from $150 to $2,000, and the organization still encounters voter intimidation in some areas. 1 page.
Subject
Groups and organizations, Voter registration, Race discrimination
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project announcing that the percentage of Blacks in the Southern population stabilized at 19.6%, halting the previous trend of a shrinking Black population percentage. This meant that Southern Blacks stabilized their numerical potential to influence elections. However, VEP Executive Director Geraldine Thompson said that the task of converting this numerical strength into more Black elected officials is a "Sisyphean task without vigorous enforcement of the Voting Rights Act." VEP Research Director Richard A. Hudlin stated that there would be more than six times the number of Southern Black elected officials if Blacks were elected at the same rate as their population percentage. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, October 19, 1982
Date Created
1983-10-19
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project announcing that the percentage of Blacks in the Southern population stabilized at 19.6%, halting the previous trend of a shrinking Black population percentage. This meant that Southern Blacks stabilized their numerical potential to influence elections. However, VEP Executive Director Geraldine Thompson said that the task of converting this numerical strength into more Black elected officials is a "Sisyphean task without vigorous enforcement of the Voting Rights Act." VEP Research Director Richard A. Hudlin stated that there would be more than six times the number of Southern Black elected officials if Blacks were elected at the same rate as their population percentage. 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 on Bill Gray addressing the 21st dinner of the VEP at the Onmi in Atlanta. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Congressman Bill Gray Will Address the 21st Annual Dinner", October 14, 1983
Date Created
1983--10-14
Description
Press release on Bill Gray addressing the 21st dinner of the VEP at the Onmi in Atlanta. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article on the Black community grappling with the potential benefits and risks of Jesse L. Jackson's candidacy for President of the United States. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black Leaders Agonize as Jesse Jackson Ponders Bid", September 11, 1983
Date Created
1983-09-11
Description
Article on the Black community grappling with the potential benefits and risks of Jesse L. Jackson's candidacy for President of the United States. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The U.S. Census Bureau reported significant gains in housing and education for the African American population during the 1970-80 decade, with higher educational attainment, increased school enrollment, and rising homeownership levels, but income levels for Blacks still lagged behind those of Whites, and the gains were later tempered by increased unemployment, divorce rates, and the rise in the number of Black families headed by females, particularly during the economic downturn that began in 1974. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Blacks Registered Substantial Gains in 70, 80 Decade", August 23, 1983
Date Created
1983-08-23
Description
The U.S. Census Bureau reported significant gains in housing and education for the African American population during the 1970-80 decade, with higher educational attainment, increased school enrollment, and rising homeownership levels, but income levels for Blacks still lagged behind those of Whites, and the gains were later tempered by increased unemployment, divorce rates, and the rise in the number of Black families headed by females, particularly during the economic downturn that began in 1974. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Housing, African Americans--Education, African Americans--Civil rights, Demographic surveys
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Voter Education Project is seeking state legislators' support to abolish the undemocratic relic of one-person governing boards, which 15% of Georgia's counties still have, and according to a study, this form of county government cannot be found outside Georgia; Georgia's devices such as one-person boards and the requirement of runoffs have a chilling effect on efforts by racial and other minorities to achieve effective representation, and VEP officials argue that this facilitated the one-party system which eliminated Blacks as an effective political force a century ago. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Only in Georgia: One Man County Governing Boards", July 17, 1983
Date Created
1983--07-17
Description
The Voter Education Project is seeking state legislators' support to abolish the undemocratic relic of one-person governing boards, which 15% of Georgia's counties still have, and according to a study, this form of county government cannot be found outside Georgia; Georgia's devices such as one-person boards and the requirement of runoffs have a chilling effect on efforts by racial and other minorities to achieve effective representation, and VEP officials argue that this facilitated the one-party system which eliminated Blacks as an effective political force a century ago. 3 pages.
Subject
Political participation, Voting, Voter registration, African Americans--Civil rights, Race discrimination
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records