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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Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondate campaign envelope addressed to John R. Lewis during the 1976 Presidential Campaign. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Jimmy Carter Campaign Envelope Adressed to John R. Lewis, October 28, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-28
Description
Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondate campaign envelope addressed to John R. Lewis during the 1976 Presidential Campaign. 1 page.
Subject
Political campaigns, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Presidents
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper op-ed by John R. Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, imploring Black Americans to exercise their right to vote in the 1976 elections. Lewis argued that the vote was a powerful tool that could be used to transform communities, improve education, and achieve economic equality. He urged Black Americans to use their votes to elect officials who would represent their interests and create a better future for all. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Liberation Day November 2, 1976", October 27, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-27
Description
Newspaper op-ed by John R. Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, imploring Black Americans to exercise their right to vote in the 1976 elections. Lewis argued that the vote was a powerful tool that could be used to transform communities, improve education, and achieve economic equality. He urged Black Americans to use their votes to elect officials who would represent their interests and create a better future for all. 1 page.
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 Democratic Party's hopes that minority voters would turn out in large numbers to help Jimmy Carter win the election. However, there was a decline in Black voter participation in previous years. The Carter campaign worked hard to register and get out the vote among minority voters, but success was not guaranteed. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Democrats Spur Minority Turnout As Presidency Key", October 27, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-27
Description
Newspaper article regarding the Democratic Party's hopes that minority voters would turn out in large numbers to help Jimmy Carter win the election. However, there was a decline in Black voter participation in previous years. The Carter campaign worked hard to register and get out the vote among minority voters, but success was not guaranteed. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Presidents
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence from Harald Hamrin, jounalist for the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter, addressed to John R. Lewis regarding Hamrin's attached article discussing Lewis' civil rights activities in America. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"De Svartas Kampanda Ska Vackas", October 18, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-18
Description
Correspondence from Harald Hamrin, jounalist for the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter, addressed to John R. Lewis regarding Hamrin's attached article discussing Lewis' civil rights activities in America. 3 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
John Lewis, the former director of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and a civil rights activist, is now leading the Voter Education Project, a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting voter registration and participation among minorities and young people, but faces challenges due to voter apathy and distrust of public officials. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Working, From Selma to the Polls, John Lewis, October 12, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-12
Description
John Lewis, the former director of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and a civil rights activist, is now leading the Voter Education Project, a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting voter registration and participation among minorities and young people, but faces challenges due to voter apathy and distrust of public officials. 1 page.
Subject
African American civil rights workers, Voter registration, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article featuring the sentiments of John R. Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, as he discussed the importance of voting and the challenges facing voter registration efforts in the South. Lewis argued that voter apathy and cynicism were among the major obstacles to increasing voter turnout, especially among young people. He also cited the lack of universal voter registration and the intimidation of Black voters by law enforcement as problems that needed to be addressed. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Apathy Irks Man Who Fought For Vote", October 10, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-10
Description
Newspaper article featuring the sentiments of John R. Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, as he discussed the importance of voting and the challenges facing voter registration efforts in the South. Lewis argued that voter apathy and cynicism were among the major obstacles to increasing voter turnout, especially among young people. He also cited the lack of universal voter registration and the intimidation of Black voters by law enforcement as problems that needed to be addressed. 1 page.
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 describing plans for John R. Lewis, the executive director of the Voter Education Project (VEP), and Georgia State Rep. David Scott to speak at a "Get Out the Vote Rally" on Tuesday, October 12, 1976, at Texas College Martin Hall. The non-partisan event was designed to encourage people to vote in the upcoming general election. Lewis and Scott were also set to meet with local community leaders at Bethlehem Baptist Church prior to the rally. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Lewis To Speak At 'Vote' Rally", October 8, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-08
Description
Newspaper article describing plans for John R. Lewis, the executive director of the Voter Education Project (VEP), and Georgia State Rep. David Scott to speak at a "Get Out the Vote Rally" on Tuesday, October 12, 1976, at Texas College Martin Hall. The non-partisan event was designed to encourage people to vote in the upcoming general election. Lewis and Scott were also set to meet with local community leaders at Bethlehem Baptist Church prior to the rally. 1 page.
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
Senator Julian Bond delivered a speech at the NAACP convention in Chicago, where he discussed the importance of the ballot and how the government affects lives, and the need for sustained effort on the part of Black leadership to register and to prepare for a lasting political war. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Bond's Message for the Powerless", October 6, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-06
Description
Senator Julian Bond delivered a speech at the NAACP convention in Chicago, where he discussed the importance of the ballot and how the government affects lives, and the need for sustained effort on the part of Black leadership to register and to prepare for a lasting political war. 1 page.
Subject
African American civil rights workers, Voter registration, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing local Mississippi chapters of the League of Women Voters' petitioning of the national League to sponsor televised debates between Jimmy Carter and President Ford. The League agreed to sponsor three televised debates between the two candidates, and one vice presidential debate. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Local Leagues Pushed For Debates", October 3, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-03
Description
Newspaper article describing local Mississippi chapters of the League of Women Voters' petitioning of the national League to sponsor televised debates between Jimmy Carter and President Ford. The League agreed to sponsor three televised debates between the two candidates, and one vice presidential debate. 1 page.
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
Article on President Jimmy Carter speaking at the Third Annual Benefit Dinner of the nonpartisan Voter Education Project, advocating for a universal voter registration law that would automatically register 18-year-old citizens and make the VEP unnecessary, and how it was supported by both Republicans and Democrats. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Carter Speaks at 3rd Annual VEP Dinner", September 29, 1976
Date Created
1976-09-29
Description
Article on President Jimmy Carter speaking at the Third Annual Benefit Dinner of the nonpartisan Voter Education Project, advocating for a universal voter registration law that would automatically register 18-year-old citizens and make the VEP unnecessary, and how it was supported by both Republicans and Democrats. 2 pages.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing John R. Lewis sentiments on voter registration after speaking at a press conference in Greenville, South Carolina, on September 26, 1976. Lewis urged Black voters to register to vote before the October 2 registration deadline. Lewis said that he and his colleagues found that 80% of the students at a community college in Mississippi were not registered to vote. He also insisted that the federal government do more to make it easier to register to vote. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voter Registration Urged Of Blacks", September 29, 1976
Date Created
1976-09-29
Description
Newspaper article describing John R. Lewis sentiments on voter registration after speaking at a press conference in Greenville, South Carolina, on September 26, 1976. Lewis urged Black voters to register to vote before the October 2 registration deadline. Lewis said that he and his colleagues found that 80% of the students at a community college in Mississippi were not registered to vote. He also insisted that the federal government do more to make it easier to register to vote. 1 page.
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
The VEP launched a voter mobilization tour which aimed to visit all 11 southern states before election day, and featured a combination of voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts, with a focus on educating and motivating nonparticipating segments of society to take an active role in selecting government leaders and having a voice in decisions affecting collective lives. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voter Education Project on Voter Mobilization Tour", September 19, 1976
Date Created
1976-09-19
Description
The VEP launched a voter mobilization tour which aimed to visit all 11 southern states before election day, and featured a combination of voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts, with a focus on educating and motivating nonparticipating segments of society to take an active role in selecting government leaders and having a voice in decisions affecting collective lives. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Political science, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article recording remarks made during a Congressional session held on September 16, 1976 regarding Black voter participation. The speaker, "Mr. Glenn", noted the obstacles to Black voter participation in the United States, particularly in the South. Glenn cited examples of voter intimidation, discrimination, and harassment, and argued that these practices were still prevalent despite the passage of the Voting Rights Act. The author also highlighted the work of the Voter Education Project (VEP), in its work to register and mobilize Black voters. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black Voter Participation," September 16, 1976
Date Created
1976-09-16
Description
Newspaper article recording remarks made during a Congressional session held on September 16, 1976 regarding Black voter participation. The speaker, "Mr. Glenn", noted the obstacles to Black voter participation in the United States, particularly in the South. Glenn cited examples of voter intimidation, discrimination, and harassment, and argued that these practices were still prevalent despite the passage of the Voting Rights Act. The author also highlighted the work of the Voter Education Project (VEP), in its work to register and mobilize Black voters. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article regarding the Fort Bend County Voter Education Project continuation of its door-to-door voter registration drive and its addition of several new substations where citizens could also register to vote. The drive was very successful, and the deadline to register to vote in the Presidential election was October 3. Volunteers were asked to meet at the Project's office to help with the registration drive. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voter Drive Continues Throughout Fort Bend", September 8, 1976
Date Created
1976-09-08
Description
Newspaper article regarding the Fort Bend County Voter Education Project continuation of its door-to-door voter registration drive and its addition of several new substations where citizens could also register to vote. The drive was very successful, and the deadline to register to vote in the Presidential election was October 3. Volunteers were asked to meet at the Project's office to help with the registration drive. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper printed photo of John R. Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, Gail Fisher, televison actress, Coretta Scott-King, widow of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Jimmy Carter, former Georgia Governor and 1976 Democratic nominee for President, at the VEP's Third Annual Benefit Dinner. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Jimmy Carter with John Lewis and Coretta Scott-King, September 2, 1976
Date Created
1976-09-02
Description
Newspaper printed photo of John R. Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, Gail Fisher, televison actress, Coretta Scott-King, widow of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Jimmy Carter, former Georgia Governor and 1976 Democratic nominee for President, at the VEP's Third Annual Benefit Dinner. 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
Correspondence between Mr. John Lewis and Mrs. Beatrice Clay discussing funds to conduct voter registration/citizenship education program. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Mr. John Lewis and Mrs. Beatrice Clay, September 1, 1976
Date Created
1976-09-01
Description
Correspondence between Mr. John Lewis and Mrs. Beatrice Clay discussing funds to conduct voter registration/citizenship education program. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, Voter registration, Women--Societies and clubs, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Federal Election Commission authorized the League of Women Voters to sponsor the proposed presidential campaign debates between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford, which are expected to cost $150,000 each and start about the third week in September, but there remains a question regarding the role of independent candidates like conservative Lister Maddox and liberal Eugene McCarthy, who have indicated they will go to court if necessary to force the networks to give them equal time with the two major candidates. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Women Voters to Sponsor Debates", August 31, 1976
Date Created
1976-08-31
Description
The Federal Election Commission authorized the League of Women Voters to sponsor the proposed presidential campaign debates between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford, which are expected to cost $150,000 each and start about the third week in September, but there remains a question regarding the role of independent candidates like conservative Lister Maddox and liberal Eugene McCarthy, who have indicated they will go to court if necessary to force the networks to give them equal time with the two major candidates. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Political science, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civil rights workers, African American women
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article on the status of the proposed presidential debates between Jimmy Carter and President Ford. Carter speaks on the need for the president to have closer control over the Federal Reserve Board, while Ford meets with his Cabinet and Carter campaigns for votes. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Ford, Carter Clash on Proposed Debates", August 31, 1976
Date Created
1976-08-31
Description
Article on the status of the proposed presidential debates between Jimmy Carter and President Ford. Carter speaks on the need for the president to have closer control over the Federal Reserve Board, while Ford meets with his Cabinet and Carter campaigns for votes. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, Political science
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article about negotiators for President Ford and Jimmy Carter tentatively settling on three nationally televised campaign debates beginning the third week in September 1976. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Debates Get Tentative Agreement", August 31, 1976
Date Created
1976-08-31
Description
Article about negotiators for President Ford and Jimmy Carter tentatively settling on three nationally televised campaign debates beginning the third week in September 1976. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, Political science
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The article discusses the upcoming presidential debates between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford, as well as the potential problems that may arise, including financing issues and opposition from other presidential candidates. It also touches on the candidates' campaign strategies and their views on various issues, including Medicaid fraud and foreign policy. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"No Agreement on Debates", August 31, 1976
Date Created
1976-08-31
Description
The article discusses the upcoming presidential debates between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford, as well as the potential problems that may arise, including financing issues and opposition from other presidential candidates. It also touches on the candidates' campaign strategies and their views on various issues, including Medicaid fraud and foreign policy. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, Political science
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records