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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  • Decade = 1960-1969
Correspondence and a newspaper clipping describing a presentation honoring West Southern Pines, North Carolina Mayor Pro Tem, Felton J. Capel, for 10 years of service. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Capel Honored for Service at Civic's Club Program", July 25, 1969
Date Created
1969--07-25
Description
Correspondence and a newspaper clipping describing a presentation honoring West Southern Pines, North Carolina Mayor Pro Tem, Felton J. Capel, for 10 years of service. 2 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A note accompanying a copy of a newspaper article regarding a meeting of Black leaders and racial discrimination in the South. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"U.S. Policies Fuel Black Hostility", July 9, 1969
Date Created
1969-07-09
Description
A note accompanying a copy of a newspaper article regarding a meeting of Black leaders and racial discrimination in the South. 2 pages.
Subject
Voting, Political participation, Race discrimination, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A brochure describing the policies and work of the first Black mayor of Fayette, Mississippi, Charles Evers, brother of assassinated civil rights leader, Medgar Evers. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Dawn of a New Era in Mississippi", July 9, 1969
Date Created
1969-07-09
Description
A brochure describing the policies and work of the first Black mayor of Fayette, Mississippi, Charles Evers, brother of assassinated civil rights leader, Medgar Evers. 4 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing the election of Charles Evers and an accompanying statement given by Marvin Wall. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"New Black Hope for a Town in Mississippi", July 5, 1969
Date Created
1969--07-05
Description
A newspaper clipping describing the election of Charles Evers and an accompanying statement given by Marvin Wall. 2 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Vol.II, No.2, includes anecdotes from student interns on their day to day life experiences. 11 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"The VEP Intern News", July 1969
Date Created
1969-07
Description
Vol.II, No.2, includes anecdotes from student interns on their day to day life experiences. 11 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A flyer from the NAACP and VEP promoting time and place for voting registration. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Action for Freedom, Register to Vote", June 14, 1969
Date Created
1969--06-14
Description
A flyer from the NAACP and VEP promoting time and place for voting registration. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Political posters, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A short history and activities conducted by the VEP. 9 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"A Statement on the Voter Education Project of the Southern Regional Council, Inc.", June 14, 1969
Date Created
1969-06-14
Description
A short history and activities conducted by the VEP. 9 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 and accompanying news articles describing voter registrations drives, and Atlanta's young politicians. 8 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence from Billie Pfiffner to Vernon Jordan, May 4, 1969
Date Created
1969--05-04
Description
Correspondence and accompanying news articles describing voter registrations drives, and Atlanta's young politicians. 8 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Three newspaper articles describing elections in North Carolina, including the election of Howard N. Lee for Mayor of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"'I'll Be Walking a Tightrope' Lee", May 1969
Date Created
1969-05
Description
Three newspaper articles describing elections in North Carolina, including the election of Howard N. Lee for Mayor of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 3 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence from Mordecai C. Johnson, Democratic Executive Committeeman, to Marvin D. Wall, VEP's Director of Research, attaching a recent newsclipping regarding the election of Dover Bowman to a 4-year term on Timmonsville, South Carolina's 6-man City Council in Florence County. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Timmonsville Picks Hobson; Negro Elected", April 30, 1969
Date Created
1969-04-30
Description
Correspondence from Mordecai C. Johnson, Democratic Executive Committeeman, to Marvin D. Wall, VEP's Director of Research, attaching a recent newsclipping regarding the election of Dover Bowman to a 4-year term on Timmonsville, South Carolina's 6-man City Council in Florence County. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping with an article describing a forum held by the Fulton County Democratic party regarding an all Black primary. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"All-Negro Primary Comes Under Fire", April 25, 1969
Date Created
1969-04-25
Description
A newspaper clipping with an article describing a forum held by the Fulton County Democratic party regarding an all Black primary. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing plans to select a Black mayoral candidate. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Sen. Johnson Urges Negro Vote to Select a Candidate for Mayor", April 23, 1969
Date Created
1969--04-23
Description
A newspaper clipping describing plans to select a Black mayoral candidate. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing the campaign of Marvin S. Arrington for a 9th Ward city aldermanic seat. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Negro Aide in OEO Office to Run for 9th Ward Seat", April 22, 1969
Date Created
1969--04-22
Description
A newspaper clipping describing the campaign of Marvin S. Arrington for a 9th Ward city aldermanic seat. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence from Mordecai C. Johnson, Democratic Executive Committeeman for the third precinct, to VEP's Vernon Jordan regarding the successful election of Black representation in a recent election in Florence, South Carolina. Johnson referred to the political developments in Florence as a "significant step forward in democratizing the democrats as well as the city, and giving heart to others in the city, county, state, south and the nation." 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence From Mordecai C. Johnson to Vernon E. Jordan, April 22, 1969
Date Created
1969-04-22
Description
Correspondence from Mordecai C. Johnson, Democratic Executive Committeeman for the third precinct, to VEP's Vernon Jordan regarding the successful election of Black representation in a recent election in Florence, South Carolina. Johnson referred to the political developments in Florence as a "significant step forward in democratizing the democrats as well as the city, and giving heart to others in the city, county, state, south and the nation." 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article regarding 225 people, mostly African Americans, marching in Hampton, South Carolina to protest red tape and slowness in implementing federal poverty programs. The march was organized by the Hampton NAACP and included students from Notre Dame University and St. Mary's College. There were no arrests during the march, but four people were arrested on Thursday for blocking traffic on U.S. 601. The students from Notre Dame and St. Mary's had been in the area conducting a survey of poverty conditions. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Protestors Stage March", April 12, 1969
Date Created
1969-04-12
Description
Newspaper article regarding 225 people, mostly African Americans, marching in Hampton, South Carolina to protest red tape and slowness in implementing federal poverty programs. The march was organized by the Hampton NAACP and included students from Notre Dame University and St. Mary's College. There were no arrests during the march, but four people were arrested on Thursday for blocking traffic on U.S. 601. The students from Notre Dame and St. Mary's had been in the area conducting a survey of poverty conditions. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Protest movements, African Americans--Education
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping with an article describing the National Civil Liberties Clearing House's annual meeting. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Rustin Sees 'Community Control' Unable to Solve Ghetto Problems", March 29, 1969
Date Created
1969-03-29
Description
A newspaper clipping with an article describing the National Civil Liberties Clearing House's annual meeting. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Political participation, Race discrimination, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The article discusses the possibility of a Negro mayor in Atlanta and the potential candidates, as well as the challenges of being a mayor of a major city, with insights from Cleveland Mayor Oairl Stokes and Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Atlanta's Mayor", March 24, 1969
Date Created
1969--03-24
Author
Gulliver, Hal
Description
The article discusses the possibility of a Negro mayor in Atlanta and the potential candidates, as well as the challenges of being a mayor of a major city, with insights from Cleveland Mayor Oairl Stokes and Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing the changes in voting and voter registration in the South. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"The Right to Vote", March 21, 1969
Date Created
1969--03-21
Description
A newspaper clipping describing the changes in voting and voter registration in the South. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
News clipping on Vernon Jordan, along with article on a poll taken in January to determine voter preferences for the next mayor of Atlanta, former U.S. Rep. Charles L. Weltner and Vice Mayor Sam Massell were about even, with Alderman Rodney Cook somewhat behind, however, the poll's reliability was questioned due to its early timing and small sample size of 300 registered voters. With correspondence from Billie and Harry Pfiffner. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Atlanta Attorney Jordan Named Alumnus of the Year at Depew", March 21, 1969
Date Created
1969--03-21
Description
News clipping on Vernon Jordan, along with article on a poll taken in January to determine voter preferences for the next mayor of Atlanta, former U.S. Rep. Charles L. Weltner and Vice Mayor Sam Massell were about even, with Alderman Rodney Cook somewhat behind, however, the poll's reliability was questioned due to its early timing and small sample size of 300 registered voters. With correspondence from Billie and Harry Pfiffner. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political participation, Voting, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Atlanta's outgoing Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. predicted that no major candidates, business-backed or Negro, will emerge to succeed him and named Vice Mayor Sam Massell, Alderman Rodney Cook, Alderman Everett Millican, Alderman Milton Farris, Alderman Cecil Turner, and former U.S. Rep. Charles L. Weltner as probable candidates, while stressing the need for Atlanta's White leadership to recognize it will have to deal with Black leaders in the future and that race will continue to dominate city government issues. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Allen Sees Mayors Race Drawn", March 19, 1969
Date Created
1969--03-19
Author
Coffin, Alex
Description
Atlanta's outgoing Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. predicted that no major candidates, business-backed or Negro, will emerge to succeed him and named Vice Mayor Sam Massell, Alderman Rodney Cook, Alderman Everett Millican, Alderman Milton Farris, Alderman Cecil Turner, and former U.S. Rep. Charles L. Weltner as probable candidates, while stressing the need for Atlanta's White leadership to recognize it will have to deal with Black leaders in the future and that race will continue to dominate city government issues. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civic leaders, African American businesspeople, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records