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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Written on verso: Arzie Jones.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Arzie Jones, circa 1942
Date Created
1941/1943
Description
Written on verso: Arzie Jones.
Subject
African American women, African American artists, Portraits and people
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
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
Birmingham city officials are taking steps to address women's issues in local government, with the appointment of a new staff member, Mary Alice Jones, and the creation of a women's commission, in response to campaign promises and discussions with women's groups, aimed at institutionalizing fair treatment and sensitivity towards the special problems faced by women and their families. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Atlanta NAACP Lobbying Network Newsletter, February 19, 1983
Date Created
1983-02-19
Description
Birmingham city officials are taking steps to address women's issues in local government, with the appointment of a new staff member, Mary Alice Jones, and the creation of a women's commission, in response to campaign promises and discussions with women's groups, aimed at institutionalizing fair treatment and sensitivity towards the special problems faced by women and their families. 4 pages.
Subject
African American women, African Americans--Politics and government, African American families
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Atlanta's Black elected officials, with a list of each candidate's names and positions held. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Atlanta's Black Elected Officials", November 1980
Date Created
1980-11
Description
Atlanta's Black elected officials, with a list of each candidate's names and positions held. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Politics and government
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
A newspaper clipping describing a speech made by Maynard Jackson at the first South wide Conference of Black Elected Officials organized by the Voter Education Project of the Southern Regional Council. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Atty. Jackson Calls for End of Violence, Poverty, Racism", December 14, 1968
Date Created
1968--12-14
Description
A newspaper clipping describing a speech made by Maynard Jackson at the first South wide Conference of Black Elected Officials organized by the Voter Education Project of the Southern Regional Council. 2 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Auburn League of Women Voters Voter Education Project Report for Lee County, Alabama.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Auburn League of Women Voters Project Report for Lee County Alabama, circa 1966
Date Created
1963/1969
Description
Auburn League of Women Voters Voter Education Project Report for Lee County, Alabama.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A paper written by Sterling Tucker and Wiley A. Branton identifying obstacles to voter participation including race, poverty, and electoral impingements. 7 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Background Paper Voting and Citizenship Participation", circa 1965
Date Created
1960/1970
Creator
Tucker, Sterling, Branton, Wiley A.
Description
A paper written by Sterling Tucker and Wiley A. Branton identifying obstacles to voter participation including race, poverty, and electoral impingements. 7 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, Race discrimination, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
DeKalb County ballot box with voting booths in the distance.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Ballot Box, circa 1977
Date Created
1975/1979
Description
DeKalb County ballot box with voting booths in the distance.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping regarding election day. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Ballot Day in Alabama", May 6, 1964
Date Created
1964-05-06
Description
A newspaper clipping regarding election day. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Political participation, Political campaigns, Political science
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Brochure from National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) New York chapter highlighting Black people who died for the right vote. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Ballots, Bullet, and Blood: How Blacks Have Died for the Right to Vote", circa 1970
Date Created
1968/1972
Description
Brochure from National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) New York chapter highlighting Black people who died for the right vote. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American civil rights workers, African American leadership, Political posters, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Written on verso: Barbara Belle Johnson.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Barbara Belle Johnson, circa 1948
Date Created
1947/1949
Description
Written on verso: Barbara Belle Johnson.
Subject
African American women, African American artists, Portraits and people
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Written on verso: Barbara E. Buckner, 2643 15th Streer NW Washington, DC.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Barbara E. Buckner, circa 1953
Date Created
1952/1954
Description
Written on verso: Barbara E. Buckner, 2643 15th Streer NW Washington, DC.
Subject
African American women, African American artists, Portraits and people
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Written on verso: Barbara Jean Scarborough, Alabama State College, Montgomery, Alabama.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Barbara Jean Scarborough, circa 1950
Date Created
1945/1955
Description
Written on verso: Barbara Jean Scarborough, Alabama State College, Montgomery, Alabama.
Subject
African American women, African American artists, Portraits and people
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Written on verso: Barbara Jordan.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Barbara Jordan, circa 1965
Date Created
1962/1968
Description
Written on verso: Barbara Jordan.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, African American women
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP report on how historically, Blacks and other minorities have faced barriers in their attempts to participate effectively in the electoral process, including voter registration, voting, and candidacy, due to lack of interest and affirmative attempts by officials, inconvenient registration practices, inadequate information, physical and economic intimidation, discriminatory regulations and enforcement, and other forms of intimidation. 10 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Barriers to Effective Participation in Electoral Politics" by Richard A. Hudlin and K. Farouk Brimah, March 1
Date Created
1981-03
Description
VEP report on how historically, Blacks and other minorities have faced barriers in their attempts to participate effectively in the electoral process, including voter registration, voting, and candidacy, due to lack of interest and affirmative attempts by officials, inconvenient registration practices, inadequate information, physical and economic intimidation, discriminatory regulations and enforcement, and other forms of intimidation. 10 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Voting, Race discrimination
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
This report discusses the historical barriers faced by Blacks and other minorities in their attempts to participate effectively in electoral processes, including registration, voting, candidacy, physical and economic intimidation, fair and effective representation, and the impact of the Voting Rights Act. It outlines specific obstacles within each of these areas, including a lack of interest or affirmative action by officials to encourage minority participation, inconvenient locations or times for registration and voting, inadequate minority personnel, insufficient information about policies and procedures, restrictions on third party or independent candidates, and physical and economic intimidation. 10 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Barriers to Effective Participation in Electoral Politics", VEP Report, 1981
Date Created
1981
Description
This report discusses the historical barriers faced by Blacks and other minorities in their attempts to participate effectively in electoral processes, including registration, voting, candidacy, physical and economic intimidation, fair and effective representation, and the impact of the Voting Rights Act. It outlines specific obstacles within each of these areas, including a lack of interest or affirmative action by officials to encourage minority participation, inconvenient locations or times for registration and voting, inadequate minority personnel, insufficient information about policies and procedures, restrictions on third party or independent candidates, and physical and economic intimidation. 10 pages.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation, Race discrimination, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Report on the VEP being dedicated to promoting participatory democracy among minorities in the southern states, where historical discrimination has excluded Blacks and Chicanos from government processes, and seeks to increase minority political participation through various means such as voter registration, advocacy, research, and public support, despite facing challenges from those in power who view it as a threat to the status quo, and aims to eliminate barriers to minority political power through persistent organizing efforts and financial resources, with the ultimate goal of achieving unrestricted minority political participation for the benefit of future generations. 22 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Barriers to Minority Political Progress in the South" by Archie E. Allen, circa 1981
Date Created
1978/1984
Description
Report on the VEP being dedicated to promoting participatory democracy among minorities in the southern states, where historical discrimination has excluded Blacks and Chicanos from government processes, and seeks to increase minority political participation through various means such as voter registration, advocacy, research, and public support, despite facing challenges from those in power who view it as a threat to the status quo, and aims to eliminate barriers to minority political power through persistent organizing efforts and financial resources, with the ultimate goal of achieving unrestricted minority political participation for the benefit of future generations. 22 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Voting, Race discrimination
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP booklet outlining the barriers to voting at the local and state levels, and the efforts at the courts and polls to remove those barriers. 68 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Barriers to the Black Political Participation in North Carolina" by William H. Towe, March 1972
Date Created
1972-03
Description
VEP booklet outlining the barriers to voting at the local and state levels, and the efforts at the courts and polls to remove those barriers. 68 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Voting, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records