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

Voter Education Project Organizational Records

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

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
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  • Decade = 1960-1969
A newspaper clipping describing remarks made by A. H. Miller referencing the South wide Conference of Black Elected Officials and emphasizing the importance of specialized knowledge for Black elected officials. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black Officials: Negro School Board Member: They Must Be Specialists", January 29, 1969
Date Created
1969--01-29
Description
A newspaper clipping describing remarks made by A. H. Miller referencing the South wide Conference of Black Elected Officials and emphasizing the importance of specialized knowledge for Black elected officials. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The article discusses the political situation in Atlanta in the late 1960s, where a construction boom and moderate political leadership have kept unemployment levels low and unrest contained, while a growing militant population among rural folk threatens to destabilize the city, leading to the possibility of a black mayoral candidate and the potential fracturing of a long-standing coalition between black and North Side white voters. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Ivan Allen Decision: Problem for Atlanta", January 25, 1969
Date Created
1969--01-25
Description
The article discusses the political situation in Atlanta in the late 1960s, where a construction boom and moderate political leadership have kept unemployment levels low and unrest contained, while a growing militant population among rural folk threatens to destabilize the city, leading to the possibility of a black mayoral candidate and the potential fracturing of a long-standing coalition between black and North Side white voters. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Miss Louise L. Pitman and The Rev. John B. Morris with enclosed receipt of copies ordered and a copy the brochure "It's Your State-North Carolina" published by The League of Women Voters of North Carolina. 8 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Miss Louise L. Pitman and The Rev. John B. Morris, January 23, 1969
Date Created
1969-01-23
Description
Correspondence Between Miss Louise L. Pitman and The Rev. John B. Morris with enclosed receipt of copies ordered and a copy the brochure "It's Your State-North Carolina" published by The League of Women Voters of North Carolina. 8 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, Women--Societies and clubs, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
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
Atlanta legislators are drafting a bill to annex Sandy Springs to the city without a referendum, which could greatly enhance the chances of a Republican becoming Atlanta's next mayor; however, Negro community leaders are reluctant to support the move, which would dilute their influence in the upcoming mayoral election, and the proposed ward-based election system for half of Atlanta's aldermen and all of its school board members is opposed by Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. as one of the "most detrimental practices in American politics." 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Mayoralty May Rest on Annexation Bill", January 18, 1969
Date Created
1969--01-18
Author
Hurst, Margaret
Description
Atlanta legislators are drafting a bill to annex Sandy Springs to the city without a referendum, which could greatly enhance the chances of a Republican becoming Atlanta's next mayor; however, Negro community leaders are reluctant to support the move, which would dilute their influence in the upcoming mayoral election, and the proposed ward-based election system for half of Atlanta's aldermen and all of its school board members is opposed by Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. as one of the "most detrimental practices in American politics." 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civic leaders, Political participation, Race discrimination
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
This article discusses the potential candidates for the upcoming mayoral election in Atlanta, highlighting the lack of coalescence behind one or two candidates, and examining the strengths and weaknesses of the various potential candidates, including Rodney Cook, Sam Massell, Milton Farris, Everett Millican, Leroy Johnson, and Charles Weltner. Additionally, the article suggests the possibility of a push for a Negro vice mayor, with potential candidates including Vernon Jordan and Maynard Jackson. 1 page
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"A Candidate for Mayor? Name Your Own", January 17, 1969
Date Created
1969--01-17
Author
Cleghorn, Reese
Description
This article discusses the potential candidates for the upcoming mayoral election in Atlanta, highlighting the lack of coalescence behind one or two candidates, and examining the strengths and weaknesses of the various potential candidates, including Rodney Cook, Sam Massell, Milton Farris, Everett Millican, Leroy Johnson, and Charles Weltner. Additionally, the article suggests the possibility of a push for a Negro vice mayor, with potential candidates including Vernon Jordan and Maynard Jackson. 1 page
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence between Miss Susan Clarke and Rev. John B. Morris discussing enclosed press clippings. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Miss Susan Clarke and Rev. John B. Morris, January 16, 1969
Date Created
1969-01-16
Description
Correspondence between Miss Susan Clarke and Rev. John B. Morris discussing enclosed press clippings. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, Women--Societies and clubs
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A copy of a newspaper clipping describing the rise in Black elected officials in South Carolina. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Negroes Hold 30 S.C. Posts", January 14, 1969
Date Created
1969-01-14
Description
A copy of a newspaper clipping describing the rise in Black elected officials in South Carolina. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. announced his retirement a year from then at an Atlanta Rotary Club luncheon, sparking speculation about possible candidates to succeed him, with Aid. Milton Farris, Vice Mayor Sam Massell, and Aid. Rodney Cook appearing to be the favorites, although reliable rumors circulating in the Black community that there may be no major Black candidate for mayor this year would strongly enhance Massell's candidacy. Along with article, "Concerted Negro Vote Sign Up Under Way for Mayor�s Race", about an effort is being made in Atlanta to register and educate eligible Black voters in an attempt to gain majority control in the upcoming mayoral election, with some caution being exercised to avoid splitting the Black vote by throwing support behind a white candidate, such as Vice Mayor Sam Massell, who is deemed more acceptable to some Black leaders than a Black candidate who may be seen as a sellout to the community, while also pressing for police reform and addressing allegations of police brutality and misconduct towards the Black community. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Mayor Allen Confirms That He'll Retire", January 7, 1969
Date Created
1969--01-07
Author
Coffin, Alex
Description
Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. announced his retirement a year from then at an Atlanta Rotary Club luncheon, sparking speculation about possible candidates to succeed him, with Aid. Milton Farris, Vice Mayor Sam Massell, and Aid. Rodney Cook appearing to be the favorites, although reliable rumors circulating in the Black community that there may be no major Black candidate for mayor this year would strongly enhance Massell's candidacy. Along with article, "Concerted Negro Vote Sign Up Under Way for Mayor�s Race", about an effort is being made in Atlanta to register and educate eligible Black voters in an attempt to gain majority control in the upcoming mayoral election, with some caution being exercised to avoid splitting the Black vote by throwing support behind a white candidate, such as Vice Mayor Sam Massell, who is deemed more acceptable to some Black leaders than a Black candidate who may be seen as a sellout to the community, while also pressing for police reform and addressing allegations of police brutality and misconduct towards the Black community. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Atlanta School Board's choice of a successor to Mrs. Sara Mitchell was criticized by Negro leaders who warned of a possible boycott, while a church committee called for the resignation of Atlanta School Supt. John Letson and urged the board to obtain his resignation in order to replace him with an educator who will exhibit progressive leadership. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Negro Leaders Hint Boycott Over School Board Choice", January 7, 1969
Date Created
1969--01-07
Description
The Atlanta School Board's choice of a successor to Mrs. Sara Mitchell was criticized by Negro leaders who warned of a possible boycott, while a church committee called for the resignation of Atlanta School Supt. John Letson and urged the board to obtain his resignation in order to replace him with an educator who will exhibit progressive leadership. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political participation, African Americans--Education
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article discussing the potential political campaigns of two Black candidates in Atlanta and Detroit after the final term of respected mayor Ivan Allen Jr. Due to Atlanta's large Black population, there was a growing movement for Black political representation. The article suggests that if a Black candidate were to run for mayor, they would have a good chance of winning. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Negroes Eye Two Major Mayoralities", January 2, 1969
Date Created
1969-01-02
Description
Newspaper article discussing the potential political campaigns of two Black candidates in Atlanta and Detroit after the final term of respected mayor Ivan Allen Jr. Due to Atlanta's large Black population, there was a growing movement for Black political representation. The article suggests that if a Black candidate were to run for mayor, they would have a good chance of winning. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence between Vernon E. Jordan and Mrs. Lynnette Taylor, Frankie Freeman, and Bernice Turner concerning a Voter Education Project and Delta Sigma Theta collaboration. 12 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Vernon E. Jordan and Mrs. Lynnette Taylor, 1969
Date Created
1969
Description
Correspondence between Vernon E. Jordan and Mrs. Lynnette Taylor, Frankie Freeman, and Bernice Turner concerning a Voter Education Project and Delta Sigma Theta collaboration. 12 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, African Americans--Politics and government, African American women, Women--Societies and clubs, Voter registration, Greek letter societies
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Handwritten graph showing turnout Black turnout levels in percentages in comparison to the white vote percentage needed to win. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Turnout Level Percentage Charts, 1969
Date Created
1969
Description
Handwritten graph showing turnout Black turnout levels in percentages in comparison to the white vote percentage needed to win. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Civil rights digest of issues featuring an article written by Vernon E. Jordan Jr. regarding the significant progress made by the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in increasing Black voter registration in the South. However, the article emphasizes that there was still much work that remained to be done. Only 62% of voting-age Blacks were registered to vote in the South, compared to 78% of whites. The article primarily discusses the need for full enforcement of the Voting Rights Act through stringent means and the preference that Black people had for going before federal examiners rather than local registrars. 60 pages
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Civil Rights Digest, "Black Vote in Danger", Spring 1969
Date Created
1969
Description
Civil rights digest of issues featuring an article written by Vernon E. Jordan Jr. regarding the significant progress made by the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in increasing Black voter registration in the South. However, the article emphasizes that there was still much work that remained to be done. Only 62% of voting-age Blacks were registered to vote in the South, compared to 78% of whites. The article primarily discusses the need for full enforcement of the Voting Rights Act through stringent means and the preference that Black people had for going before federal examiners rather than local registrars. 60 pages
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper spread with an article describing a conference attended by Black officeholders from the South. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black Politics", December 23, 1968
Date Created
1968-12-23
Description
A newspaper spread with an article describing a conference attended by Black officeholders from the South. 2 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping and photo showing Shirley Chisholm, Mable S. Lewis, and Grace T. Hamilton at the South wide Conference for Black Elected Officials. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"The Women Take Charge", December 17, 1968
Date Created
1968--12-17
Description
A newspaper clipping and photo showing Shirley Chisholm, Mable S. Lewis, and Grace T. Hamilton at the South wide Conference for Black Elected Officials. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping highlighting the frustrations of the expected policies of the Nixon administration and the possible decline of civil and voting rights protections. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"The South and the Law" December 16, 1968
Date Created
1968-12-16
Description
A newspaper clipping highlighting the frustrations of the expected policies of the Nixon administration and the possible decline of civil and voting rights protections. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing the first Conference of Black Elected Officials. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Power of Education Seen in Black Officials", December 14, 1968
Date Created
1968-12-14
Description
A newspaper clipping describing the first Conference of Black Elected Officials. 3 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing remarks made by Maynard Jackson at the South wide Conference of Black Elected Officials. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Vote Officials Out, Black Leaders Told", December 14, 1968
Date Created
1968-12-14
Description
A newspaper clipping describing remarks made by Maynard Jackson at the South wide Conference of Black Elected Officials. 2 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records