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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Statement by Vernon E. Jordan regarding Lurleen Wallace's gubernatorial race and George Wallace.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Statement by Vernon E. Jordan about George Wallace, circa 1967
Date Created
1962/1972
Description
Statement by Vernon E. Jordan regarding Lurleen Wallace's gubernatorial race and George Wallace.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political campaigns, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing Leon R. Tarver's announcement to run against Joe D. Waggonner for Congress. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Shreveport Negro to Run for Congress", circa 1968
Date Created
1963/1973
Description
A newspaper clipping describing Leon R. Tarver's announcement to run against Joe D. Waggonner for Congress. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, Voting, Political campaigns, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping of an opinion column written by Jay Thornton describing his opposition to the Democratic Party. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"For Unpledged Electors", March 29, 1964
Date Created
1964-03-29
Description
A newspaper clipping of an opinion column written by Jay Thornton describing his opposition to the Democratic Party. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Political campaigns, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping regarding the unpledged Democratic elector slate in Alabama. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Unpledged Slate Waste of Ballot Rains States", April 1, 1964
Date Created
1964-04-01
Description
A newspaper clipping regarding the unpledged Democratic elector slate in Alabama. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Political participation, Political campaigns, Political science
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping referencing two articles, outlined in red. The first article (center) describes a meeting of the Alabama Democratic Conference in which they condemn Governor George Wallace's racism. The other article, entitled "State Political Leaders Meet," references the annual meeting of the Alabama State Coordinating Association for Registration and Voting and a presentation by the Voter Education Project. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Ala. Negro Democrats Hit Wallace in 2-day Session", April 18, 1964
Date Created
1964-04-18
Description
A newspaper clipping referencing two articles, outlined in red. The first article (center) describes a meeting of the Alabama Democratic Conference in which they condemn Governor George Wallace's racism. The other article, entitled "State Political Leaders Meet," references the annual meeting of the Alabama State Coordinating Association for Registration and Voting and a presentation by the Voter Education Project. 2 pages.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political campaigns, Political participation, Race discrimination
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article discussing the powerful political turnout of Black voters as compared to whites. A political scientist at the University of North Carolina found that a higher percentage of Black people in the South contribute to political campaigns than white people. The study also found that more Black people belong to political organizations than white people in the South. The study was conducted in 27 counties in 11 states and surveyed 618 Black people and 650 white people. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Negro Outpoliticks Whites in Dixie", April 24, 1964
Date Created
1964-04-24
Description
Newspaper article discussing the powerful political turnout of Black voters as compared to whites. A political scientist at the University of North Carolina found that a higher percentage of Black people in the South contribute to political campaigns than white people. The study also found that more Black people belong to political organizations than white people in the South. The study was conducted in 27 counties in 11 states and surveyed 618 Black people and 650 white people. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping of a flier advocating votes for pledged democratic electors. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Let's Be Realistic", April 26, 1964
Date Created
1964-04-26
Description
A newspaper clipping of a flier advocating votes for pledged democratic electors. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Political participation, Political campaigns, Political science
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing the unpledged elector slate in Alabama. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Letdown for LBJ Expected Tuesday", May 3, 1964
Date Created
1964-05-03
Description
A newspaper clipping describing the unpledged elector slate in Alabama. 1 page.
Subject
Political campaigns, Political science, Political participation
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
A newspaper clipping of a table showing vote totals for Montgomery County. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"How Montgomery County Voted in Tuesday's Democratic Primary, May 7, 1964
Date Created
1964-05-07
Description
A newspaper clipping of a table showing vote totals for Montgomery County. 2 pages.
Subject
Voting, Political participation, Political campaigns, Political science
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing the results from a state election. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Wallace Slate Won 66 Counties", May 9, 1964
Date Created
1964-05-09
Description
A newspaper clipping describing the results from a state election. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Political participation, Political campaigns, Political science, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing candidates in the November elections. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Brief News Alabama", May 17, 1964
Date Created
1964-05-17
Description
A newspaper clipping describing candidates in the November elections. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, Political campaigns, Political science
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Booklet compiled by the Shelby County Commissioners containing a digest of information about Shelby County and its municipal government system. 19 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Your Shelby County Government" Pamphlet, 1965
Date Created
1965
Description
Booklet compiled by the Shelby County Commissioners containing a digest of information about Shelby County and its municipal government system. 19 pages.
Subject
Political participation, Political campaigns, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Booklet from the Alabama Board of Registrars reminding citizens that they must be registered to vote and have paid their poll tax in order to vote in the election. The Board offered special registration sessions in January and February, and citizens could also check their local Board of Registrars for additional dates. The Board also reminded citizens that persons over 45 years of age and veterans of wartime service may not have to pay the poll tax. Citizens with questions about the poll tax were directed to contact their judge of probate. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"A Message From Governor George C. Wallace, 1966
Date Created
1966
Description
Booklet from the Alabama Board of Registrars reminding citizens that they must be registered to vote and have paid their poll tax in order to vote in the election. The Board offered special registration sessions in January and February, and citizens could also check their local Board of Registrars for additional dates. The Board also reminded citizens that persons over 45 years of age and veterans of wartime service may not have to pay the poll tax. Citizens with questions about the poll tax were directed to contact their judge of probate. 4 pages.
Subject
Political participation, Political campaigns, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Journal entry from Horace T. Ward, a Black candidate who ran for office in Georgia's 39th District. The journal entry details the experience of Ward as he gained local support of various civic engagement organizations and led a successful grassroots campaign. 7 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
[Candidates Journal], 1966
Date Created
1966
Description
Journal entry from Horace T. Ward, a Black candidate who ran for office in Georgia's 39th District. The journal entry details the experience of Ward as he gained local support of various civic engagement organizations and led a successful grassroots campaign. 7 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence from Marvin D. Wall to Alex Campbell about a recent piece published by magazine New Republic regarding politics in Alabama. Wall stated in the letter that he was headed to South Carolina for the upcoming primary and would report back to Campbell if any news coverage of the election was needed. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence From Marvin D. Wall to Alex Campbell, June 9, 1966
Date Created
1966-06-09
Description
Correspondence from Marvin D. Wall to Alex Campbell about a recent piece published by magazine New Republic regarding politics in Alabama. Wall stated in the letter that he was headed to South Carolina for the upcoming primary and would report back to Campbell if any news coverage of the election was needed. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence to John S. Gibson with election and campaign information for the 1966 South Carolina elections including an editorial from the Richland County Democratic Women's Club, a letter from the Finney for House Committee campaign, a map of Columbia, South Carolina, a list of Black candidates running for office in South Carolina in 1966, a list of functions attributed to South Carolina's poll watchers, a pamphlet for Donald Russell's Senate campaign, a sample ballot for the Democratic Party of Sumter County, campaign cards for S.H. Belser for the House of Representatives and James M. Morris for the South Carolina State Senate, a list of voting places in various South Carolina districts. 14 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence to John S. Gibson, June 10, 1966
Date Created
1966-06-10
Description
Correspondence to John S. Gibson with election and campaign information for the 1966 South Carolina elections including an editorial from the Richland County Democratic Women's Club, a letter from the Finney for House Committee campaign, a map of Columbia, South Carolina, a list of Black candidates running for office in South Carolina in 1966, a list of functions attributed to South Carolina's poll watchers, a pamphlet for Donald Russell's Senate campaign, a sample ballot for the Democratic Party of Sumter County, campaign cards for S.H. Belser for the House of Representatives and James M. Morris for the South Carolina State Senate, a list of voting places in various South Carolina districts. 14 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing candidates Lester Maddox and Howard Callaway in the Georgia's Governor's election. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"For Governor" November 3, 1966
Date Created
1966-11-03
Description
A newspaper clipping describing candidates Lester Maddox and Howard Callaway in the Georgia's Governor's election. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Political campaigns, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Magazine article discussing how the 1966 midterm elections were a major victory for the Republican Party, which gained 47 seats in the House of Representatives, three seats in the Senate, and eight governorships. The GOP's success was attributed to a number of factors, including discontent with the Johnson administration's handling of the Vietnam War, inflation, and the backlash against civil rights legislation. The election results also set the stage for the 1968 presidential election, in which the Republicans were expected to be a strong contender. 14 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"GOP '66: Back on the Map", November 21, 1966
Date Created
1966-11-21
Description
Magazine article discussing how the 1966 midterm elections were a major victory for the Republican Party, which gained 47 seats in the House of Representatives, three seats in the Senate, and eight governorships. The GOP's success was attributed to a number of factors, including discontent with the Johnson administration's handling of the Vietnam War, inflation, and the backlash against civil rights legislation. The election results also set the stage for the 1968 presidential election, in which the Republicans were expected to be a strong contender. 14 pages.
Subject
Political science, Political campaigns, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Democratic National Committee regarding the radical right's retaliation against President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society programs in 1967. They worked to cut off funds and cripple Great Society programs, discredit and write off the Johnson record, and divide and confuse supporters of the Johnson administration. Despite this, the Democratic Party leadership remained confident that these destructive and divisive forces could be turned back. They pointed to the fact that the Republican House victories in 1966 were narrow victories and that the percentage of loss for the Democrats was less than that suffered by President Eisenhower in 1958 and President Truman in 1946. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Radical Right Maps 1967 Battle Against Great Society Programs", December 20, 1966
Date Created
1966-12-20
Description
Press release from the Democratic National Committee regarding the radical right's retaliation against President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society programs in 1967. They worked to cut off funds and cripple Great Society programs, discredit and write off the Johnson record, and divide and confuse supporters of the Johnson administration. Despite this, the Democratic Party leadership remained confident that these destructive and divisive forces could be turned back. They pointed to the fact that the Republican House victories in 1966 were narrow victories and that the percentage of loss for the Democrats was less than that suffered by President Eisenhower in 1958 and President Truman in 1946. 3 pages.
Subject
Political science, Political campaigns, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records