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

Voter Education Project Organizational Records

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

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
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  • Subjects = African American civic leaders
Newspaper article discussing Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield's efforts to to secure a 10-year extension of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, despite Southern pushback from Sens. James Allen and Jesse Helms, who tried to block the bill from being debated. Mansfield warned that the Senate would "confront the issue" if such tactics continued to be used. The updated bill would expand the law to cover Mexican-Americans and other language minority groups. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voting Act Extension Is Pressed", July 19, 1975
Date Created
1975-07-19
Description
Newspaper article discussing Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield's efforts to to secure a 10-year extension of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, despite Southern pushback from Sens. James Allen and Jesse Helms, who tried to block the bill from being debated. Mansfield warned that the Senate would "confront the issue" if such tactics continued to be used. The updated bill would expand the law to cover Mexican-Americans and other language minority groups. 2 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 describing Mayor Maynard Jackson of Atlanta criticism of U.S. Sen. Herman Talmadge for opposing the extension of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Jackson stated that the act was still needed to protect the right to vote for black people in Georgia. Jackson said that Talmadge was "ignorant" of the facts when he claimed that Black people enjoyed universal voter registration rights. He pointed to the fact that there were continuing violations of the Voting Rights Act in Georgia. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Jackson Assails Talmadge Stand", July 16, 1975
Date Created
1975-07-16
Description
Newspaper article describing Mayor Maynard Jackson of Atlanta criticism of U.S. Sen. Herman Talmadge for opposing the extension of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Jackson stated that the act was still needed to protect the right to vote for black people in Georgia. Jackson said that Talmadge was "ignorant" of the facts when he claimed that Black people enjoyed universal voter registration rights. He pointed to the fact that there were continuing violations of the Voting Rights Act in Georgia. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns, African American mayors
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article discussing Voter Education Project (VEP) Director John R. Lewis's calls for a permanent and national voting rights law to replace the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which was set to expire. Lewis argued that it was demeaning for minorities to have to petition the government for renewal of their constitutional rights on a periodic basis. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"VEP Calls For Permanent Voting Rights Law", March 22-28, 1975
Date Created
1975-03
Description
Newspaper article discussing Voter Education Project (VEP) Director John R. Lewis's calls for a permanent and national voting rights law to replace the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which was set to expire. Lewis argued that it was demeaning for minorities to have to petition the government for renewal of their constitutional rights on a periodic basis. 2 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 describing Congressman Andrew Young urging of Congress to extend and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was set to expire. Young, who participated in the voting rights movement in Selma, Alabama, ten years prior, presented a documentary film on the voting rights movement to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Renew, Strengthen Voting Act, Young Urges Congress", March 8, 1975
Date Created
1975-03
Description
Newspaper article describing Congressman Andrew Young urging of Congress to extend and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was set to expire. Young, who participated in the voting rights movement in Selma, Alabama, ten years prior, presented a documentary film on the voting rights movement to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights. 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
Flyer and memo advertising a meeting with Coretta King, Julian Bond, and John Lewis, as well as a chartered bus service to Selma, Alabama for the 10th anniversary of commemoration of "Bloody Sunday". 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voting Rights Rally and March", 1975
Date Created
1975
Description
Flyer and memo advertising a meeting with Coretta King, Julian Bond, and John Lewis, as well as a chartered bus service to Selma, Alabama for the 10th anniversary of commemoration of "Bloody Sunday". 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Political posters, Voter registration, Voting, African American civil rights workers, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The article discusses the work of John Lewis, head of the Voter Education Project, which aims to register Black voters in 11 southern states, and has added 2.5 million new Black voters to the voting lists since 1965, and the significance of the Voting Rights Act, including the recent extension of the act by the US House of Representatives and Ronald Reagan's denial of knowledge of the act. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Through Hell at King Elbow", 1975
Date Created
1975
Description
The article discusses the work of John Lewis, head of the Voter Education Project, which aims to register Black voters in 11 southern states, and has added 2.5 million new Black voters to the voting lists since 1965, and the significance of the Voting Rights Act, including the recent extension of the act by the US House of Representatives and Ronald Reagan's denial of knowledge of the act. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, African American civic leaders, Race discrimination, African American civil rights workers, African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
John R. Lewis and Coretta Scott-King walk across Edmund Pettis Bridge on the ten-year anniversary of Selma's Bloody Sunday.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
John R. Lewis Marches in Selma With Coretta Scott King, 1975
Date Created
1975
Description
John R. Lewis and Coretta Scott-King walk across Edmund Pettis Bridge on the ten-year anniversary of Selma's Bloody Sunday.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Poster advertising a voter rally with John Lewis and Hosea Williams. Sponsored by the VEP and the United Voter Education and Registration Committee of Selma.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Rally, April 22, 1974
Date Created
1974-04-22
Description
Poster advertising a voter rally with John Lewis and Hosea Williams. Sponsored by the VEP and the United Voter Education and Registration Committee of Selma.
Subject
Voting, Voter Registration, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Flyer for a voter rally featuring John Lewis and Hosea Williams in Selma Alabama, along with a VEP request for payment form. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voter Rally, John Lewis and Hosea Williams", 1974
Date Created
1974
Description
Flyer for a voter rally featuring John Lewis and Hosea Williams in Selma Alabama, along with a VEP request for payment form. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Political posters, Voter registration, Voting, African American civil rights workers, African American civic leaders
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
List of administrative and legal barriers to minority political participation, which was included in the VEP's "Election Notebook." In the past, minorities in the Southern states faced a number of barriers to registering to vote and voting, including purges and reregistration, discriminatory location of polling places, intimidation and exclusion of minority poll workers, and legal barriers such as at-large voting requirements and malapportioned election districts. These barriers made it difficult for minorities to participate in the political process and undermined their right to vote. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Administrative and Legal Barriers to Minority Political Participation, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
List of administrative and legal barriers to minority political participation, which was included in the VEP's "Election Notebook." In the past, minorities in the Southern states faced a number of barriers to registering to vote and voting, including purges and reregistration, discriminatory location of polling places, intimidation and exclusion of minority poll workers, and legal barriers such as at-large voting requirements and malapportioned election districts. These barriers made it difficult for minorities to participate in the political process and undermined their right to vote. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Race discrimination, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Audio recording of VEP's trustees and financial advisers discussing the Voter Education Project's administrative and financial matters for the upcoming year. VEP was a non-partisan, non-profit organization which conducted voter registration, voter turnout, and voter education campaigns in eleven southern states. They raised money primarily to support their voter campaign efforts.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Meeting, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
Audio recording of VEP's trustees and financial advisers discussing the Voter Education Project's administrative and financial matters for the upcoming year. VEP was a non-partisan, non-profit organization which conducted voter registration, voter turnout, and voter education campaigns in eleven southern states. They raised money primarily to support their voter campaign efforts.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Meetings, African American leadership
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Gerald Blessey talks to an audience of people during his political campaign.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Gerald Blessey Speaks to People During His Political Campaign, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
Gerald Blessey talks to an audience of people during his political campaign.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Gerald Blessey talks to a group of young people during his political campaign.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Gerald Blessey Speaks With a Group of Young Voters, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
Gerald Blessey talks to a group of young people during his political campaign.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A man speaks during a VEP meeting, while other people listen and take notes.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Man Writes Notes at a VEP Meeting, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
A man speaks during a VEP meeting, while other people listen and take notes.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Meetings, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Vivian Malone Jones talks with another VEP member after a meeting.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Woman Smiles After a VEP Meeting, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
Vivian Malone Jones talks with another VEP member after a meeting.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Meetings, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
John R. Lewis poses for a photo with a group of people following a speaking engagement.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
John R. Lewis Poses for a Photo With a Group of People, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
John R. Lewis poses for a photo with a group of people following a speaking engagement.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Vivian Malone Jones reads a report while standing at a desk.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Woman Reads a Report at a Desk, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
Vivian Malone Jones reads a report while standing at a desk.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Vivian Malone Jones reads a report while sitting at a desk.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Woman Sits Down at a Desk, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
Vivian Malone Jones reads a report while sitting at a desk.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A man sits in a classroom during a VEP meeting.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Man Sits at a VEP Meeting, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
A man sits in a classroom during a VEP meeting.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Meetings, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records