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.
73 Objects displayed
AllCollectionsObjects
  1. Browse Repository
  2. Archival Collections
  3. Voter Education Project Organizational Records
For:
  • Subjects = African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Newspaper article discussing plans for Governor Jimmy Carter to speak at the Voter Education Project's annual fundraising dinner. Coretta Scott King also agreed to sell tickets to the event in support of work increase voter registration and turnout among African Americans. VEP was credited with helping to register millions of black voters since its founding in 1962. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Carter Due to Talk Here", August 23, 1976
Date Created
1976-08-23
Description
Newspaper article discussing plans for Governor Jimmy Carter to speak at the Voter Education Project's annual fundraising dinner. Coretta Scott King also agreed to sell tickets to the event in support of work increase voter registration and turnout among African Americans. VEP was credited with helping to register millions of black voters since its founding in 1962. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Meetings, Presidents
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Report on the "Great Equalizer" campaign, conducted by the Voter Education Project, was a successful public service media effort aimed at encouraging voter registration and participation in the 1976 elections, with high acceptance and usage rates among broadcast stations, reaching millions of viewers and listeners, and potentially contributing to increased voter turnout in the South, as indicated by higher registration figures compared to previous years. 13 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"An Evaluation of the Voter Education Projects Great Equalizer Campaign", 1976
Date Created
1976
Description
Report on the "Great Equalizer" campaign, conducted by the Voter Education Project, was a successful public service media effort aimed at encouraging voter registration and participation in the 1976 elections, with high acceptance and usage rates among broadcast stations, reaching millions of viewers and listeners, and potentially contributing to increased voter turnout in the South, as indicated by higher registration figures compared to previous years. 13 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Brochure from the Voter Education Project describing unfair voting practices across Southern states. 13 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Election 76, Not Equal for All Americans", 1976
Date Created
1976
Description
Brochure from the Voter Education Project describing unfair voting practices across Southern states. 13 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Race discrimination, Race relations, Political posters, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A resolution by the Atlanta City Council urging the United States Congress to permanently extend the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which eliminated literacy tests and other barriers to the ballot, increased Black registration and the number of Black elected officials in the South, and insured meaningful participation in registration and voting. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Resolution Urging Congress to Permanently Extend Voting Rights Act, January 1975
Date Created
1975-01
Description
A resolution by the Atlanta City Council urging the United States Congress to permanently extend the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which eliminated literacy tests and other barriers to the ballot, increased Black registration and the number of Black elected officials in the South, and insured meaningful participation in registration and voting. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Report on the background of the VEP, the need for voter registration, technical assistance for minority elected and appointed officials, the need for citizenship education programs, and leadership development programs. 16 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Field Foundation Discussion Paper", 1974
Date Created
1974
Description
Report on the background of the VEP, the need for voter registration, technical assistance for minority elected and appointed officials, the need for citizenship education programs, and leadership development programs. 16 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Booklet describing the VEP Information Service and how it collects, stores, and disseminates data and statistics to electorate and news organizations. Includes evaluation and reporting forms. 35 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Information Service Handbook, 1974
Date Created
1974
Description
Booklet describing the VEP Information Service and how it collects, stores, and disseminates data and statistics to electorate and news organizations. Includes evaluation and reporting forms. 35 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
Audio recording of the Voter Education Project's annual benefit dinner, moderated by Rep. Andrew Young. Atlanta Commissioner of Administrative Services Emma Darnell leads the attendees in prayer. Governor Jimmy Carter gives a keynote speech about the importance of universal voter registration. Mayor Maynard Jackson emphasizes the positive impact of VEP on voter registration in the South, declaring May 4, 1974 as "VEP Day." John Lewis thanks the attendees for attending the benefit dinner. Senator Edward Kennedy gives a speech regarding the need for voter registration work and advocates for an extension of the Voting Rights Act. John Lewis talks with friend and assistant Archie Allen about how inequities in the legal system impact the lives of Black Americans. Lilian Miles thanks the attendees for their donations and commitment to voter registration. Harry Hughey offers closing remarks. Rabbi Alvin Sugarman gives the final prayer and benediction.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Side B: Hungary Club
Date Created
1974
Description
Audio recording of the Voter Education Project's annual benefit dinner, moderated by Rep. Andrew Young. Atlanta Commissioner of Administrative Services Emma Darnell leads the attendees in prayer. Governor Jimmy Carter gives a keynote speech about the importance of universal voter registration. Mayor Maynard Jackson emphasizes the positive impact of VEP on voter registration in the South, declaring May 4, 1974 as "VEP Day." John Lewis thanks the attendees for attending the benefit dinner. Senator Edward Kennedy gives a speech regarding the need for voter registration work and advocates for an extension of the Voting Rights Act. John Lewis talks with friend and assistant Archie Allen about how inequities in the legal system impact the lives of Black Americans. Lilian Miles thanks the attendees for their donations and commitment to voter registration. Harry Hughey offers closing remarks. Rabbi Alvin Sugarman gives the final prayer and benediction.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civic leaders, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Meetings
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
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
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
The article discusses political figure Julian Bond, who is well-known and influential in the Atlanta Black community, but may not fare well among White voters in Georgia, and questions whether it is equally "racial" politics to suggest that in the future Black voters will only vote for a Black candidate. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"The Mayors Race", February 19, 1969
Date Created
1969--02-19
Author
Gulliver, Hal
Description
The article discusses political figure Julian Bond, who is well-known and influential in the Atlanta Black community, but may not fare well among White voters in Georgia, and questions whether it is equally "racial" politics to suggest that in the future Black voters will only vote for a Black candidate. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civic leaders, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, Voting, Race relations
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Community Relations Commission in Atlanta recognizes successful Black business executives with its first "Business Achievement Award," including Ira L. Jackson, Robert West, Mrs. Mary Jordan, Herman J. Russell, and James and Robert Paschal, highlighting the city's reputation as a community of opportunity and concerned citizens. With correspondence from Billie Pfiffner to Vernon Jordan. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black Business Works", February 17, 1969
Date Created
1969--02-17
Description
The Community Relations Commission in Atlanta recognizes successful Black business executives with its first "Business Achievement Award," including Ira L. Jackson, Robert West, Mrs. Mary Jordan, Herman J. Russell, and James and Robert Paschal, highlighting the city's reputation as a community of opportunity and concerned citizens. With correspondence from Billie Pfiffner to Vernon Jordan. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civic leaders, African American businesspeople, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Community Relations Commission has selected six successful Atlanta business people, including Ira L. Jackson, Robert West, Mrs. Mary Jordan, Herman J. Russell, and James and Robert Paschal, to receive its first "Business Achievement Award" at the closing banquet of the "Workshop on Black Business Opportunities," highlighting their flourishing enterprises that touch the lives of hundreds of Atlantans daily. 1 page
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Six Outstanding Black Businesses To Receive CRC Honors February 20", February 15, 1969
Date Created
1969--02-15
Description
The Community Relations Commission has selected six successful Atlanta business people, including Ira L. Jackson, Robert West, Mrs. Mary Jordan, Herman J. Russell, and James and Robert Paschal, to receive its first "Business Achievement Award" at the closing banquet of the "Workshop on Black Business Opportunities," highlighting their flourishing enterprises that touch the lives of hundreds of Atlantans daily. 1 page
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American business enterprises, African American businesspeople, African American women
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
In 1969, State Rep. Julian Bond predicted that a Black mayor would be elected in Atlanta, and that Black Atlanta would become the majority, resulting in either an orderly transition of government or a state of political cold war between the races, depending on the willingness of the Black community to unify and the White community to accept the inevitable future, and argued for the need for a strong political organization and ward elections in the city. With correspondence from Billie Pfiffner to Vernon Jordan concerning Julian Bond's interest in Congress over mayorship. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Last White Mayor in '69, Bond Says", February 13, 1969
Date Created
1969--02-13
Description
In 1969, State Rep. Julian Bond predicted that a Black mayor would be elected in Atlanta, and that Black Atlanta would become the majority, resulting in either an orderly transition of government or a state of political cold war between the races, depending on the willingness of the Black community to unify and the White community to accept the inevitable future, and argued for the need for a strong political organization and ward elections in the city. With correspondence from Billie Pfiffner to Vernon Jordan concerning Julian Bond's interest in Congress over mayorship. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civic leaders, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, Voting, Race relations
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
City Attorney Henry Bowden has been suggested as a possible successor to Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. by a group of downtown business leaders, but Bowden has stated that he does not want the job and is a reluctant candidate. With correspondence from Vernon Jordan to E.T. Kehrer. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Bowden Being Pushed As Mayor Candidate", February 11, 1969
Date Created
1969--02-11
Author
Coffin, Alex
Description
City Attorney Henry Bowden has been suggested as a possible successor to Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. by a group of downtown business leaders, but Bowden has stated that he does not want the job and is a reluctant candidate. With correspondence from Vernon Jordan to E.T. Kehrer. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civic leaders, African American businesspeople, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A public information meeting in Atlanta, which was meant to be a presentation on the city's schools, turned into a heated debate between White and Black attendees on the commitment of school officials to improving education in economically deprived areas, with some speakers criticizing the quality of education in these areas and others endorsing the efforts of the school board to improve the situation. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Bitter Debate Rages on Ghetto Schools", February 11, 1969
Date Created
1969--02-11
Author
Hurt, Bob
Description
A public information meeting in Atlanta, which was meant to be a presentation on the city's schools, turned into a heated debate between White and Black attendees on the commitment of school officials to improving education in economically deprived areas, with some speakers criticizing the quality of education in these areas and others endorsing the efforts of the school board to improve the situation. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Education, Voting, Race relations
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Atlanta Board of Education has finally agreed to discuss the Better Schools Atlanta report, which highlights shocking disparities in the city's school system, and this could signal the beginning of a real dialogue and citizen participation in the business of the schools. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Schools: Answers Now?", February 10, 1969
Date Created
1969--02-10
Description
The Atlanta Board of Education has finally agreed to discuss the Better Schools Atlanta report, which highlights shocking disparities in the city's school system, and this could signal the beginning of a real dialogue and citizen participation in the business of the schools. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Education, African American students, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Jet article on a possibility of Atlanta electing its first Black mayor, with State Sen. Leroy R. Johnson and other Black politicians considering running for office, but winning the election would require significant white voter support and a successful voter-registration campaign. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"A Black Mayor for Atlanta?", January 23, 1969
Date Created
1969--01-23
Description
Jet article on a possibility of Atlanta electing its first Black mayor, with State Sen. Leroy R. Johnson and other Black politicians considering running for office, but winning the election would require significant white voter support and a successful voter-registration campaign. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. has compiled a list of 12 qualities he believes his successor should have, including a commitment to eliminating racial discrimination, willingness to make difficult decisions, ability to cooperate with other governments, and determination to continue programs to rebuild deteriorating parts of the city, among other qualities. Vernon Jordan, head of the Southern Regional Council's Voter Education Project and a former advisor to President Bill Clinton, expressed his interest in the political scene in his hometown of Atlanta after his name was inadvertently left off a list of mayoral candidates being discussed. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Allen Gives List of Qualities He Thinks Mayor Should Have", January 20, 1969
Date Created
1969--01-20
Author
Coffin, Alex
Description
Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. has compiled a list of 12 qualities he believes his successor should have, including a commitment to eliminating racial discrimination, willingness to make difficult decisions, ability to cooperate with other governments, and determination to continue programs to rebuild deteriorating parts of the city, among other qualities. Vernon Jordan, head of the Southern Regional Council's Voter Education Project and a former advisor to President Bill Clinton, expressed his interest in the political scene in his hometown of Atlanta after his name was inadvertently left off a list of mayoral candidates being discussed. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civic leaders, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records