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

Voter Education Project Organizational Records

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

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
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Press release from the Voter Education Project describing the impact of the Black vote in the 1976 presidential election. The report found that the Black vote was decisive in several states, including South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. In these states, the Black vote helped to elect Jimmy Carter as president and other Black candidates to local and state offices. The report also found that the Black turnout rate was higher than ever before, with an estimated 60-70% of registered Black voters casting ballots. This was due in part to the efforts of the VEP and other organizations that worked to register and mobilize Black voters. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, November 7, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-07
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project describing the impact of the Black vote in the 1976 presidential election. The report found that the Black vote was decisive in several states, including South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. In these states, the Black vote helped to elect Jimmy Carter as president and other Black candidates to local and state offices. The report also found that the Black turnout rate was higher than ever before, with an estimated 60-70% of registered Black voters casting ballots. This was due in part to the efforts of the VEP and other organizations that worked to register and mobilize Black voters. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Presidents
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
This article describes the influential role that Rep. Andrew Young and the "Black Atlanta Connection" played in securing Jimmy Carter's election as President of the United States, with prominent Georgians and other figures supporting Carter's campaign through their political power, personal integrity, and outreach efforts to African American communities. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Atlanta Connection Did Well", November 6, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-06
Description
This article describes the influential role that Rep. Andrew Young and the "Black Atlanta Connection" played in securing Jimmy Carter's election as President of the United States, with prominent Georgians and other figures supporting Carter's campaign through their political power, personal integrity, and outreach efforts to African American communities. 2 pages.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation, African American civic leaders, African American mayors
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article on the election of Jimmy Carter to the presidency, with strong support from Black voters, was a surprise and represented a shift in the South's relationship with the rest of the nation, with many feeling a newfound sense of regional pride and an end to feelings of inferiority and exclusion. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Carters Ironic Win Delights Southerners", November 6, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-06
Description
Article on the election of Jimmy Carter to the presidency, with strong support from Black voters, was a surprise and represented a shift in the South's relationship with the rest of the nation, with many feeling a newfound sense of regional pride and an end to feelings of inferiority and exclusion. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article concerning that with the election of Jimmy Carter to the presidency, with strong support from Black voters in the South due to the civil rights movement and federal laws, signaled a new era of regional pride and equality, as well as a shift towards blue-collar and lower-income voters. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Carter Presidency From Deep South", November 6, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-06
Description
Article concerning that with the election of Jimmy Carter to the presidency, with strong support from Black voters in the South due to the civil rights movement and federal laws, signaled a new era of regional pride and equality, as well as a shift towards blue-collar and lower-income voters. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Social conditions
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Black voters, both rural and urban, played a decisive role in electing President Jimmy Carter in the 1976 U.S. presidential election, with preliminary studies showing that Carter received an overwhelming majority of Black votes, which contributed significantly to his victory in crucial states in the South and major Northern industrial areas. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Blacks Cast Decisive Votes in Carters Close Victory", November 5, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-05
Description
Black voters, both rural and urban, played a decisive role in electing President Jimmy Carter in the 1976 U.S. presidential election, with preliminary studies showing that Carter received an overwhelming majority of Black votes, which contributed significantly to his victory in crucial states in the South and major Northern industrial areas. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article about how Black voters, both in rural and urban areas, played a decisive role in Jimmy Carter's victory in the 1976 presidential election, as they voted for him by ratios of 9 to 1, and the concentrated Black vote gave Carter the lead in the overall popular vote, as well as contributed importantly to his strength in crucial states in the South and major Northern industrial areas. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black Vote Put Carter Over, Studies Reveal", November 5, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-05
Description
Article about how Black voters, both in rural and urban areas, played a decisive role in Jimmy Carter's victory in the 1976 presidential election, as they voted for him by ratios of 9 to 1, and the concentrated Black vote gave Carter the lead in the overall popular vote, as well as contributed importantly to his strength in crucial states in the South and major Northern industrial areas. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article on Birmingham, Alabama's Mayor David Vann expressing his joy at the election of President-elect Jimmy Carter, attributing his victory to the end of regionalism and a change in attitude towards the South. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Carters Win is Important Day in Souths History, Vann Says", November 4, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-04
Description
Article on Birmingham, Alabama's Mayor David Vann expressing his joy at the election of President-elect Jimmy Carter, attributing his victory to the end of regionalism and a change in attitude towards the South. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
This article reports on Birmingham Mayor David Vann's views on the election of Jimmy Carter as President and how it may help remove regional prejudice against the South, as well as his announcement of a special "Candidate's Workshop" and other local news. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Vann Predicts Carter Victory to Help South", November 4, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-04
Description
This article reports on Birmingham Mayor David Vann's views on the election of Jimmy Carter as President and how it may help remove regional prejudice against the South, as well as his announcement of a special "Candidate's Workshop" and other local news. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence from John R. Lewis, then-Director of the Voter Education Project, addressed to President-Elect Jimmy Carter congratulating Carter on his 1976 victory in the 1976 Presidential Election. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence from John R. Lewis to President Elect Jimmy Carter, November 4, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-04
Description
Correspondence from John R. Lewis, then-Director of the Voter Education Project, addressed to President-Elect Jimmy Carter congratulating Carter on his 1976 victory in the 1976 Presidential Election. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Presidents
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
This article discusses the upcoming 1976 US elections and the importance of Black voter turnout, as well as the number of Black candidates running for various positions, with the expectation that the 17 Black representatives in the House will retain their seats, but expanding that number seems unlikely. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Low Turnout May Dim Hope of Black Gain", November 3, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-03
Description
This article discusses the upcoming 1976 US elections and the importance of Black voter turnout, as well as the number of Black candidates running for various positions, with the expectation that the 17 Black representatives in the House will retain their seats, but expanding that number seems unlikely. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
This article describes how the 1976 US presidential election was a test of widely held beliefs about the American electorate, including apathy, the death of political parties, the importance of independent voters, and the lack of interest among young people and Black voters. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Old Style Election? Some Experts Believe Vote Today May Alter Ideas About Electorate", November 2, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-02
Description
This article describes how the 1976 US presidential election was a test of widely held beliefs about the American electorate, including apathy, the death of political parties, the importance of independent voters, and the lack of interest among young people and Black voters. 2 pages.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Flyer for President Jimmy Carter's Presidential Election Celebration, held by the 1976 Democratic Presidential Campaign Committee, Inc at the World Congress Center on November 2, 1976. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Jimmy Carter Election Celebration" Flyer, November 2, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-02
Description
Flyer for President Jimmy Carter's Presidential Election Celebration, held by the 1976 Democratic Presidential Campaign Committee, Inc at the World Congress Center on November 2, 1976. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Presidents
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Statistical analysis of the Fulton County Black vote for President, conducted by Clarence A. Bacote, including information regarding total registered voters, total votes for Carter, and total votes for Ford in the 1976 Presidential Election. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Statistical Analysis of Black Vote for President in Fulton County, November 2, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-02
Description
Statistical analysis of the Fulton County Black vote for President, conducted by Clarence A. Bacote, including information regarding total registered voters, total votes for Carter, and total votes for Ford in the 1976 Presidential Election. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Presidents, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing that Black voter participation in national elections was declining steadily during the 1970s, even as the number of Black elected officials on the state and local levels soared. There were a number of reasons for this decline, including cynicism about the political process and a lack of faith that government would respond to the needs of Black voters. Despite this decline, Black voters still possessed the opportunity to play a decisive role in the 1976 presidential election, particularly in key industrial states. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black Voter Registration Declining", November 1, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-01
Description
Newspaper article describing that Black voter participation in national elections was declining steadily during the 1970s, even as the number of Black elected officials on the state and local levels soared. There were a number of reasons for this decline, including cynicism about the political process and a lack of faith that government would respond to the needs of Black voters. Despite this decline, Black voters still possessed the opportunity to play a decisive role in the 1976 presidential election, particularly in key industrial states. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Flyer for a "Get Out the Vote" Peanut Roast and Rally held before the 1976 Presidential Election, featuring guests like Congressman Andrew Young, Lieutenant Governor Zell Miller, and Mayor Maynard Jackson, held on November 1, 1976 in Central City Park. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Get Out the Vote Peanut Roast" Flyer, November 1, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-01
Description
Flyer for a "Get Out the Vote" Peanut Roast and Rally held before the 1976 Presidential Election, featuring guests like Congressman Andrew Young, Lieutenant Governor Zell Miller, and Mayor Maynard Jackson, held on November 1, 1976 in Central City Park. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Presidents
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article regarding John Lewis role as the executive director of the Voter Education Project (VEP), an organization that worked to increase Black and minority voter registration and participation in the South. Lewis was a leading figure in the civil rights movement, and he was one of the speakers at the March on Washington in 1963. He was committed to ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to vote, and he believed that voting was essential to a healthy democracy. 8 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"John Lewis Preaches That Winning the Ballot Isn't Enough. Everybody Needs To Use It", October 31, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-31
Description
Newspaper article regarding John Lewis role as the executive director of the Voter Education Project (VEP), an organization that worked to increase Black and minority voter registration and participation in the South. Lewis was a leading figure in the civil rights movement, and he was one of the speakers at the March on Washington in 1963. He was committed to ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to vote, and he believed that voting was essential to a healthy democracy. 8 pages.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article regarding the rapid increase of Black voter registration and turnout, fueled by a tour of Black leaders. The tour, which included the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Coretta Scott King, was credited with dampening apathy among Black voters. The leaders urged Blacks to register and vote, arguing that their votes could be decisive in key cities such as Cleveland, New York, and Chicago. While it was too early to say how the increased voter registration would translate into votes, the leaders were hopeful that Blacks will turn out in large numbers on Election Day. They believed that the Black vote could be the difference between victory and defeat for Democratic candidate Jimmy Carter. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Blacks Are Pleased By Election Effort", October 31, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-31
Description
Newspaper article regarding the rapid increase of Black voter registration and turnout, fueled by a tour of Black leaders. The tour, which included the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Coretta Scott King, was credited with dampening apathy among Black voters. The leaders urged Blacks to register and vote, arguing that their votes could be decisive in key cities such as Cleveland, New York, and Chicago. While it was too early to say how the increased voter registration would translate into votes, the leaders were hopeful that Blacks will turn out in large numbers on Election Day. They believed that the Black vote could be the difference between victory and defeat for Democratic candidate Jimmy Carter. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Presidents
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article on how the VEP found that many southern Black voters, especially those under 30 who did not participate in the civil rights struggles of the 1960s, have become disenchanted with the power of the ballot due to growing skepticism about the system and recent governmental scandals, which may result in a low voter turnout and a decrease in the number of Black elected officials in the South. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Damn the Politicians, You're Hurting Yourself", October 30, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-30
Description
Article on how the VEP found that many southern Black voters, especially those under 30 who did not participate in the civil rights struggles of the 1960s, have become disenchanted with the power of the ballot due to growing skepticism about the system and recent governmental scandals, which may result in a low voter turnout and a decrease in the number of Black elected officials in the South. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The VEP predicted a record turnout of Black voters in the South for the 1976 US presidential election, based on reports of record Black voter registration in local drives conducted by the organization and enthusiasm on the part of local organizations and volunteers. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Record Number of Blacks Will Vote, VEP Says", October 29, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-29
Description
The VEP predicted a record turnout of Black voters in the South for the 1976 US presidential election, based on reports of record Black voter registration in local drives conducted by the organization and enthusiasm on the part of local organizations and volunteers. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article regarding the Voter Education Project's predictions that a record number of Black voters would cast ballots in the 1976 presidential election. VEP's prediction was based on reports of record Black voter registration in local drives conducted by the organization. VEP mounted advertising campaigns and more than 100 local drives to encourage voter registration and participation. The organization believed that the Black vote would be pivotal in the presidential election, as well as in hundreds of state and local elections. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Record Black Voter Turnout Seen In South", October 29, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-29
Description
Newspaper article regarding the Voter Education Project's predictions that a record number of Black voters would cast ballots in the 1976 presidential election. VEP's prediction was based on reports of record Black voter registration in local drives conducted by the organization. VEP mounted advertising campaigns and more than 100 local drives to encourage voter registration and participation. The organization believed that the Black vote would be pivotal in the presidential election, as well as in hundreds of state and local elections. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Presidents
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records