The Voter Education Project (VEP) began in 1962 as part of the Southern Regional Council. Initially VEP granted funds to civil rights organizations to support voter education, voter registration drives, and voting-related research. In 1964, Vernon Jordan, the second executive director of the VEP, expanded the programs goals to include citizenship training, voter education, and leadership training in the southern United States, while continuing to provide funds to independent voter and civil rights groups, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and the League of Women Voters. The VEP’s work with the League of Women Voters is highlighted in the materials below. In 1971, VEP under the leadership of John Lewis, became an independent organization and functioned as a research center and became known as an authoritative source for statistics on southern elections and voter registration in general. Lewis also forged the VEP into an activist organization, launching Voter Mobilization Tours with Georgia state legislator and civil rights advocate Julian Bond. At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
Sep 4, 2020

Voter Education Project Organizational Records

The Voter Education Project (VEP) began in 1962 as part of the Southern Regional Council. Initially VEP granted funds to civil rights organizations to support voter education, voter registration drives, and voting-related research. In 1964, Vernon Jordan, the second executive director of the VEP, expanded the programs goals to include citizenship training, voter education, and leadership training in the southern United States, while continuing to provide funds to independent voter and civil rights groups, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and the League of Women Voters. The VEP’s work with the League of Women Voters is highlighted in the materials below. In 1971, VEP under the leadership of John Lewis, became an independent organization and functioned as a research center and became known as an authoritative source for statistics on southern elections and voter registration in general. Lewis also forged the VEP into an activist organization, launching Voter Mobilization Tours with Georgia state legislator and civil rights advocate Julian Bond.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
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  • Subjects = Race discrimination
Article on the Klan rally in Millen, Georgia to support a White judge that denied custody to the mother of a White and mixed-race baby the White woman had out of wedlock. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Klan Expected to Stage Rally in Millen", February 27, 1982
Date Created
1982-02-27
Description
Article on the Klan rally in Millen, Georgia to support a White judge that denied custody to the mother of a White and mixed-race baby the White woman had out of wedlock. 1 page.
Subject
Race discrimination, African American women, Race relations
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article on Reappointment Committee member Joe Mack Wilson's racist remarks on designating voting districts to suppress the minority vote in Georgia. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Remap Official Accused of Racist Remark", January 2, 1982
Date Created
1982-01-02
Description
Article on Reappointment Committee member Joe Mack Wilson's racist remarks on designating voting districts to suppress the minority vote in Georgia. 2 pages.
Subject
Race discrimination, Voter registration, Gerrymandering
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP report on how historically, Blacks and other minorities have faced barriers in their attempts to participate effectively in the electoral process, including voter registration, voting, and candidacy, due to lack of interest and affirmative attempts by officials, inconvenient registration practices, inadequate information, physical and economic intimidation, discriminatory regulations and enforcement, and other forms of intimidation. 10 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Barriers to Effective Participation in Electoral Politics" by Richard A. Hudlin and K. Farouk Brimah, March 1
Date Created
1981-03
Description
VEP report on how historically, Blacks and other minorities have faced barriers in their attempts to participate effectively in the electoral process, including voter registration, voting, and candidacy, due to lack of interest and affirmative attempts by officials, inconvenient registration practices, inadequate information, physical and economic intimidation, discriminatory regulations and enforcement, and other forms of intimidation. 10 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Voting, Race discrimination
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
This document is a report on the state of Mississippi's highly decentralized purchasing system, which lacks a centralized recordkeeping or reporting system, has no policy or procedures for insuring opportunities for minority entrepreneurs to sell commodities or services to state agencies, and requires advertising for bids for purchases over $1,500, making it difficult to analyze and describe. The report suggests political and business leaders in minority communities should lobby to make the role of minority entrepreneurs in supplying commodities and services to the state a political, policy, and legislative issue. 8 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"State of Mississippi's Procurement Policies and Minority Business Enterprises", VEP Report, 1981
Date Created
1981
Description
This document is a report on the state of Mississippi's highly decentralized purchasing system, which lacks a centralized recordkeeping or reporting system, has no policy or procedures for insuring opportunities for minority entrepreneurs to sell commodities or services to state agencies, and requires advertising for bids for purchases over $1,500, making it difficult to analyze and describe. The report suggests political and business leaders in minority communities should lobby to make the role of minority entrepreneurs in supplying commodities and services to the state a political, policy, and legislative issue. 8 pages.
Subject
Race discrimination, African American businesspeople, African Americans--Employment
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
This report discusses the historical barriers faced by Blacks and other minorities in their attempts to participate effectively in electoral processes, including registration, voting, candidacy, physical and economic intimidation, fair and effective representation, and the impact of the Voting Rights Act. It outlines specific obstacles within each of these areas, including a lack of interest or affirmative action by officials to encourage minority participation, inconvenient locations or times for registration and voting, inadequate minority personnel, insufficient information about policies and procedures, restrictions on third party or independent candidates, and physical and economic intimidation. 10 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Barriers to Effective Participation in Electoral Politics", VEP Report, 1981
Date Created
1981
Description
This report discusses the historical barriers faced by Blacks and other minorities in their attempts to participate effectively in electoral processes, including registration, voting, candidacy, physical and economic intimidation, fair and effective representation, and the impact of the Voting Rights Act. It outlines specific obstacles within each of these areas, including a lack of interest or affirmative action by officials to encourage minority participation, inconvenient locations or times for registration and voting, inadequate minority personnel, insufficient information about policies and procedures, restrictions on third party or independent candidates, and physical and economic intimidation. 10 pages.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation, Race discrimination, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A study conducted by the Voter Education Project reveals that Black businesses in Mississippi receive a minimal share of the state's business, and the state has not taken significant steps to provide direct commercial market opportunities or technical assistance for minority-owned firms. 2 Pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Blacks Not Getting Fair Share of Mississippi's State Business", 1981
Date Created
1981
Description
A study conducted by the Voter Education Project reveals that Black businesses in Mississippi receive a minimal share of the state's business, and the state has not taken significant steps to provide direct commercial market opportunities or technical assistance for minority-owned firms. 2 Pages.
Subject
Race discrimination, African American businesspeople, African Americans--Employment
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Division of Purchase and Contracts is responsible for the purchase of goods and services used by the State of North Carolina, but due to the decentralized purchasing system, it is unclear how much money the state spends annually on purchases, and minority businesses receive a minimal share of the state's purchases, although the Minority Business Development Agency aims to increase their participation by providing information and managerial and technical assistance. 7 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"State of North Carolinas Procurement Policies and Minority Business Enterprises", VEP Report, 1981
Date Created
1981
Description
The Division of Purchase and Contracts is responsible for the purchase of goods and services used by the State of North Carolina, but due to the decentralized purchasing system, it is unclear how much money the state spends annually on purchases, and minority businesses receive a minimal share of the state's purchases, although the Minority Business Development Agency aims to increase their participation by providing information and managerial and technical assistance. 7 pages.
Subject
African American business enterprises, Race discrimination
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article on a racial discrimination lawsuit against a Brunswick, Georgia high school, claiming two Black students were treated unfairly because of a fight and subsequent boycotts from other Black school students. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"McIntosh Schools are Sued", circa 1982
Date Created
1980/1984
Description
Article on a racial discrimination lawsuit against a Brunswick, Georgia high school, claiming two Black students were treated unfairly because of a fight and subsequent boycotts from other Black school students. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, Race discrimination, African American students
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Report on the VEP being dedicated to promoting participatory democracy among minorities in the southern states, where historical discrimination has excluded Blacks and Chicanos from government processes, and seeks to increase minority political participation through various means such as voter registration, advocacy, research, and public support, despite facing challenges from those in power who view it as a threat to the status quo, and aims to eliminate barriers to minority political power through persistent organizing efforts and financial resources, with the ultimate goal of achieving unrestricted minority political participation for the benefit of future generations. 22 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Barriers to Minority Political Progress in the South" by Archie E. Allen, circa 1981
Date Created
1978/1984
Description
Report on the VEP being dedicated to promoting participatory democracy among minorities in the southern states, where historical discrimination has excluded Blacks and Chicanos from government processes, and seeks to increase minority political participation through various means such as voter registration, advocacy, research, and public support, despite facing challenges from those in power who view it as a threat to the status quo, and aims to eliminate barriers to minority political power through persistent organizing efforts and financial resources, with the ultimate goal of achieving unrestricted minority political participation for the benefit of future generations. 22 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Voting, Race discrimination
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Report from McMillan C. Baggett, then-Senior Staff Consultant of Public Research and Management, addressed to City Attorney George A. Glaze containing detailed statistics regarding College Park's neighborhood analysis and ward breakdown. According to the author, the provided housing data was accurate, while population estimates were based on vacancy rates and occupancy rates. Minority population estimates were difficult to obtain, and the figures presented were only approximations. 5 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
College Park Neighborhood Analysis Report, May 27, 1976
Date Created
1978-05-27
Description
Report from McMillan C. Baggett, then-Senior Staff Consultant of Public Research and Management, addressed to City Attorney George A. Glaze containing detailed statistics regarding College Park's neighborhood analysis and ward breakdown. According to the author, the provided housing data was accurate, while population estimates were based on vacancy rates and occupancy rates. Minority population estimates were difficult to obtain, and the figures presented were only approximations. 5 pages.
Subject
African American leadership, City planning, Race discrimination, Gerrymandering, African Americans--Civil rights, African American neighborhoods, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing a dispute in the city of College Park over redistricting. The black community demanded that two majority-black wards be created, but the city argued that this would require the creation of odd-shaped wards that would disrupt the delivery of city services. The Justice Department was given the responsibility of adjudicating over the city's proposal. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"College Park Tries To Cut 6 Even Slices", April 4, 1978
Date Created
1978-04-04
Description
Newspaper article describing a dispute in the city of College Park over redistricting. The black community demanded that two majority-black wards be created, but the city argued that this would require the creation of odd-shaped wards that would disrupt the delivery of city services. The Justice Department was given the responsibility of adjudicating over the city's proposal. 1 page.
Subject
African American leadership, City planning, Race discrimination, Gerrymandering, African Americans--Civil rights, African American neighborhoods, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Proposal from City Attorney George E. Glaze addressed to Donald P. Edwards containing College Park's submission for reconsideration in regard to the Justice Department's complaints of unfair annexations. The report contained the area's population, by race, of the prior districts, estimates of the area population, by race, of the annexed areas, population projections by 1980, by race of the proposed districts, information about racial bloc voting in the city, information about the public hearings and meetings that were held during the preparation of the proposed redistricting plan, and corrections and notations with respect to the city's submission and the Department of Justice's letter. 8 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
College Park Annexation Reconsideration Proposal, March 20, 1978
Date Created
1978-03-20
Description
Proposal from City Attorney George E. Glaze addressed to Donald P. Edwards containing College Park's submission for reconsideration in regard to the Justice Department's complaints of unfair annexations. The report contained the area's population, by race, of the prior districts, estimates of the area population, by race, of the annexed areas, population projections by 1980, by race of the proposed districts, information about racial bloc voting in the city, information about the public hearings and meetings that were held during the preparation of the proposed redistricting plan, and corrections and notations with respect to the city's submission and the Department of Justice's letter. 8 pages.
Subject
African American leadership, City planning, Race discrimination, Gerrymandering, African Americans--Civil rights, African American neighborhoods, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article regarding a redistricting violation suit brought forward by Johnny Robinson, Stan Alexander, and W.J. Freeman in College Park, in which they accused city officials of stalling on submitting information to the U.S. Justice Department about the city's redistricting plan. The plaintiffs in the voting rights suit said that the city is delaying in order to avoid having to hold another election, which they believed they would lose. The Justice Department objected to the city's redistricting plan because it did not provide adequate racial descriptions of the population. The plaintiffs urged the Justice Department to place a time limit on the city to respond to its mandate. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Leaders Tuesday Discussed Suit Brought By Neighborhood Voters' League," March 15, 1978
Date Created
1978-03-15
Description
Newspaper article regarding a redistricting violation suit brought forward by Johnny Robinson, Stan Alexander, and W.J. Freeman in College Park, in which they accused city officials of stalling on submitting information to the U.S. Justice Department about the city's redistricting plan. The plaintiffs in the voting rights suit said that the city is delaying in order to avoid having to hold another election, which they believed they would lose. The Justice Department objected to the city's redistricting plan because it did not provide adequate racial descriptions of the population. The plaintiffs urged the Justice Department to place a time limit on the city to respond to its mandate. 1 page.
Subject
African American leadership, City planning, Race discrimination, Gerrymandering, African Americans--Civil rights, African American neighborhoods, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing efforts made by the city to resolve a redistricting lawsuit, following allegations that the city of College Park delayed the redistricting process by not sending information to the U.S. Justice Department. City Attorney George Glaze denied these allegations, saying that the city had been working steadily on the case and that federal red tape bogged the work down. Glaze stated that the information the Justice Department requested would be mailed out within the week. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Officials Say City Is Trying", March 15, 1976
Date Created
1978-03-15
Description
Newspaper article describing efforts made by the city to resolve a redistricting lawsuit, following allegations that the city of College Park delayed the redistricting process by not sending information to the U.S. Justice Department. City Attorney George Glaze denied these allegations, saying that the city had been working steadily on the case and that federal red tape bogged the work down. Glaze stated that the information the Justice Department requested would be mailed out within the week. 1 page.
Subject
African American leadership, City planning, Race discrimination, Gerrymandering, African Americans--Civil rights, African American neighborhoods, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Proposal from V. R. Stuebing, Jr, Executive Vice President of Public Research and Management, Inc, addressed to City Attorney George E. Glaze containing research analysis regarding "Estimates of Current Population, By Race, of the Prior Districts", "Estimates of the Present Population, By Race, of the Annexed Areas to Which Objection Has Been Interposed", and "Projections of 1980 Population, By Race, of the Proposed Districts" in reference to a College Park's redistricting suit. 7 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
College Park Ward Redistricting Report, February 9, 1978
Date Created
1978-02-09
Description
Proposal from V. R. Stuebing, Jr, Executive Vice President of Public Research and Management, Inc, addressed to City Attorney George E. Glaze containing research analysis regarding "Estimates of Current Population, By Race, of the Prior Districts", "Estimates of the Present Population, By Race, of the Annexed Areas to Which Objection Has Been Interposed", and "Projections of 1980 Population, By Race, of the Proposed Districts" in reference to a College Park's redistricting suit. 7 pages.
Subject
African American leadership, City planning, Race discrimination, Gerrymandering, African Americans--Civil rights, African American neighborhoods, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article on how the Voter Education Project plans to challenge Georgia's system of one-man county governments in 24 out of the state�s 159 counties through meetings with local government officials to discuss adding more members to their commissions, with the possibility of filing a federal lawsuit. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"One Man County Rule Under Fire", circa 1980
Date Created
1977/1983
Description
Article on how the Voter Education Project plans to challenge Georgia's system of one-man county governments in 24 out of the state�s 159 counties through meetings with local government officials to discuss adding more members to their commissions, with the possibility of filing a federal lawsuit. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights, Race discrimination, Voting
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Alabama Secretary of State Don Siegelman expressed distress over the appointment of Ku Klux Klansman Billy Hendrix as a deputy voter registrar in Randolph County, which has historically been known for not appointing Black deputy registrars, but acknowledged that there is no state law to prevent such appointments. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Klansman's Job Irks Siegelman", circa 1980
Date Created
1977/1983
Description
Alabama Secretary of State Don Siegelman expressed distress over the appointment of Ku Klux Klansman Billy Hendrix as a deputy voter registrar in Randolph County, which has historically been known for not appointing Black deputy registrars, but acknowledged that there is no state law to prevent such appointments. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Race discrimination
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article regarding the Neighborhood Voters League accusations that the City of College Park was "dragging its feet" in the filing of a new ward redistricting plan to the Justice Department. The city was ordered to redraw voting wards and hold new city elections as soon as possible in 1977 by a federal court ruling in December. The Neighborhood Voters League was concerned that the city was not submitting the plan in time for an election to be held in 1977. They were also concerned that the plan would not adequately represent apartment residents. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Blacks Accuse College Park of Delaying Ward Plan Filing", April 28, 1977
Date Created
1977-04-28
Description
Newspaper article regarding the Neighborhood Voters League accusations that the City of College Park was "dragging its feet" in the filing of a new ward redistricting plan to the Justice Department. The city was ordered to redraw voting wards and hold new city elections as soon as possible in 1977 by a federal court ruling in December. The Neighborhood Voters League was concerned that the city was not submitting the plan in time for an election to be held in 1977. They were also concerned that the plan would not adequately represent apartment residents. 1 page.
Subject
African American leadership, City planning, Race discrimination, Gerrymandering, African Americans--Civil rights, African American neighborhoods, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article regarding a proposed redrawn district plan in College Park, following complaints that the former boundaries disallowed for fair representation of College Park's black residents on the City Council. The plan was met with mixed reactions, with some praising it for creating a majority-black ward and others criticizing it for not going far enough to ensure minority representation. The plan created six wards, with one ward having a majority-black population. The other wards had minority populations ranging from 25% to 35%. The plan also ensured that each ward had a roughly equal population. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Lines Are Finally Drawn On Ward Map", February 22, 1977
Date Created
1977-02-22
Description
Newspaper article regarding a proposed redrawn district plan in College Park, following complaints that the former boundaries disallowed for fair representation of College Park's black residents on the City Council. The plan was met with mixed reactions, with some praising it for creating a majority-black ward and others criticizing it for not going far enough to ensure minority representation. The plan created six wards, with one ward having a majority-black population. The other wards had minority populations ranging from 25% to 35%. The plan also ensured that each ward had a roughly equal population. 1 page.
Subject
African American leadership, City planning, Race discrimination, Gerrymandering, African Americans--Civil rights, African American neighborhoods, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing the College Park City Council's consideration of new ward boundaries to comply with the Voting Rights Act. The council considered about 10 proposals, and opted to select a plan with at least one majority black ward. The council also considered reviewing a third proposal by a group of black citizens calling for two majority black wards. The council's decision was subject to Justice Department approval before any plan could be implemented. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"College Park Must Redraw Ward Lines", February 13, 1977
Date Created
1977-02-13
Description
Newspaper article describing the College Park City Council's consideration of new ward boundaries to comply with the Voting Rights Act. The council considered about 10 proposals, and opted to select a plan with at least one majority black ward. The council also considered reviewing a third proposal by a group of black citizens calling for two majority black wards. The council's decision was subject to Justice Department approval before any plan could be implemented. 1 page.
Subject
African American leadership, City planning, Race discrimination, Gerrymandering, African Americans--Civil rights, African American neighborhoods, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records