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 = Voting
"If Not for Your Sake, for Our Sake, for Gods Sake", 1990
1990
Flyer depicting children on a porch asking people to vote in the general primary run off elections. 1 page.
African Americans--Civil rights, Political posters, Voter registration, Voting
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Flyer depicting children on a porch asking people to vote in the general primary run off elections. 1 page.
"Young Lost for Many Reasons", 1990
1990
Andrew Young, a prominent civil rights activist and former United Nations ambassador, failed to become Georgia's first Black governor in a run-off election, despite efforts to build a multiracial coalition and attract businesses to the state. The article highlights the challenges faced by Black candidates in the South, including a lack of support from White voters and an inability to mobilize enough Black voters to win statewide races. 1 page.
African American civic leaders, African American civil rights worker, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Voting, African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Andrew Young, a prominent civil rights activist and former United Nations ambassador, failed to become Georgia's first Black governor in a run-off election, despite efforts to build a multiracial coalition and attract businesses to the state. The article highlights the challenges faced by Black candidates in the South, including a lack of support from White voters and an inability to mobilize enough Black voters to win statewide races. 1 page.
"Disabled Voters Eligible for Permanent Absentee Ballots", October 5, 1989
1989-10-05
Announcement on how eligible disabled voters in San Francisco should take advantage of this new policy to ensure their right to vote in upcoming elections. 1 page.
Voting
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Announcement on how eligible disabled voters in San Francisco should take advantage of this new policy to ensure their right to vote in upcoming elections. 1 page.
Southern Regional Council News Release, 1992 Presidential Election, February 10, 1989
1989-02-10
A report by the nonpartisan Southern Regional Council (SRC) in Atlanta suggests that the Democrats could win a majority of the Southern states in the next presidential election with only a modest increase in Southern White support, if the rate of registration and turnout of Black and Hispanic voters equals that of whites in 1992. The study shows that Democratic gains in predominantly White precincts were cancelled out by a sharp decline in votes since 1984 in majority Black precincts, and that Democratic inroads into White urban voters in the South were nullified by the party's failure to increase the actual number of Black votes. 6 pages.
Political campaigns, Voter registration, Voting, Political participation
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A report by the nonpartisan Southern Regional Council (SRC) in Atlanta suggests that the Democrats could win a majority of the Southern states in the next presidential election with only a modest increase in Southern White support, if the rate of registration and turnout of Black and Hispanic voters equals that of whites in 1992. The study shows that Democratic gains in predominantly White precincts were cancelled out by a sharp decline in votes since 1984 in majority Black precincts, and that Democratic inroads into White urban voters in the South were nullified by the party's failure to increase the actual number of Black votes. 6 pages.
"Voting Is a Responsibility, Not Just a Right", 1986
1986
Flyer listing registration deadline and voting day. 1 page.
African Americans--Civil rights, Political posters, Voter registration, Voting
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Flyer listing registration deadline and voting day. 1 page.
Introduction of the VEP, With Plan for 1986
1985/1988
A brief history of the VEP, with a plan and objections for the program in 1986. 11 pages.
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civil rights workers, Voter registration, Voting, African Americans--Civil rights, Political participation
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A brief history of the VEP, with a plan and objections for the program in 1986. 11 pages.
Operation Big Vote Newsletter, February 27, 1985
1985-02-27
During 1984, the National Coalition sponsored OPERATION BIG VOTE coalitions in 25 states and the District of Columbia, resulting in the highest ever reported Black voter registration at 66.3 percent, an increase in turnout to 56 percent, and the net gain of 2.5 million voters, with plans to continue nationwide operations in the future. 6 pages.
African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Voting, Groups and organizations
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
During 1984, the National Coalition sponsored OPERATION BIG VOTE coalitions in 25 states and the District of Columbia, resulting in the highest ever reported Black voter registration at 66.3 percent, an increase in turnout to 56 percent, and the net gain of 2.5 million voters, with plans to continue nationwide operations in the future. 6 pages.
"It is Time for a Change", 1985
1985
Flyer listing voting locations and voting issues in the special election. 1 page.
African Americans--Civil rights, Political posters, Voter registration, Voting
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Flyer listing voting locations and voting issues in the special election. 1 page.
"Selma to Montgomery, 20 Years Later", 1985
1985
Flyer for the 20th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. 1 page.
Voting, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Flyer for the 20th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. 1 page.
Introduction of the VEP with Budget Report, circa 1985
1984/1987
A brief history of the VEP, with a plan, goals and budget for the program. 11 pages.
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civil rights workers, Voter registration, Voting, African Americans--Civil rights, Political participation
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A brief history of the VEP, with a plan, goals and budget for the program. 11 pages.
"Georgia Black Turnout Over 50 Percent High in 1984 Than in 1980", December 30, 1984
1984-12-30
A Voter Education Project study based on an analysis of predominantly Black and White precincts in Georgia found that the estimated number of Black voters in the 1984 election was over 50% higher than in 1980, with a turnout rate of 64%, and that White turnout was higher than Black turnout, with 74% of registered White voters casting their votes for Reagan and 5% of Black voters doing the same. 1 page.
Groups and organizations, Political participation, Voting
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A Voter Education Project study based on an analysis of predominantly Black and White precincts in Georgia found that the estimated number of Black voters in the 1984 election was over 50% higher than in 1980, with a turnout rate of 64%, and that White turnout was higher than Black turnout, with 74% of registered White voters casting their votes for Reagan and 5% of Black voters doing the same. 1 page.
"Blacks Turn Out in Alabama", and "More Georgia Blacks Voted in '84 than '80", December 30, 1984
1984-12-30
The Voter Education Project found that in the 1984 presidential election, Black voter turnout exceeded 60% in Georgia and Alabama, with Alabama being the only southern state where Black voter turnout was not less than White voter turnout, and while President Reagan won both states, he only won 5% of the Black vote in Georgia and 7% of the Black vote in Alabama. 1 page.
Groups and organizations, Political participation, Voting
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Voter Education Project found that in the 1984 presidential election, Black voter turnout exceeded 60% in Georgia and Alabama, with Alabama being the only southern state where Black voter turnout was not less than White voter turnout, and while President Reagan won both states, he only won 5% of the Black vote in Georgia and 7% of the Black vote in Alabama. 1 page.
Correspondence From Brian to Geraldine Thompson, November 28, 1984
1984-11-28
The author alerts their research findings to show more racial polarization in the November 6 election than the exit polls, and disagrees with those who claim exit polls are more accurate, citing examples of discrepancies in past elections and flaws in sampling and self-reporting, and challenges the argument that behavior in mixed precincts is different from all-Black or all-white precincts, and suggests that exit polls gain credibility through exposure but may not necessarily be accurate. 2 pages.
Voting, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, Race discrimination
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The author alerts their research findings to show more racial polarization in the November 6 election than the exit polls, and disagrees with those who claim exit polls are more accurate, citing examples of discrepancies in past elections and flaws in sampling and self-reporting, and challenges the argument that behavior in mixed precincts is different from all-Black or all-white precincts, and suggests that exit polls gain credibility through exposure but may not necessarily be accurate. 2 pages.
"Record Number of Blacks Voted in the South", November 24, 1984
1984-11-24
The results of a Voter Education Project study show that an estimated 3.3 million Black voters went to the polls in the South during the 1984 election, representing an increase of 586,000 over the previous election, with the increase due to both population growth and registration drives, and the vast majority of Black voters supported Walter Mondale. 1 page.
Groups and organizations, Political participation, Voting
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The results of a Voter Education Project study show that an estimated 3.3 million Black voters went to the polls in the South during the 1984 election, representing an increase of 586,000 over the previous election, with the increase due to both population growth and registration drives, and the vast majority of Black voters supported Walter Mondale. 1 page.
"Despite the Reagan Sweep, a Gender Gap Remains", November 13, 1984
1984-11-13
The article discusses the gender gap in the 1984 Presidential election, which refers to the difference in voting patterns between men and women. Despite President Reagan's sweeping victory, the gender gap remained a significant feature of the political landscape, with Mr. Mondale's biggest women's majorities coming from minority groups. 1 page.
Political participation, Voting
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The article discusses the gender gap in the 1984 Presidential election, which refers to the difference in voting patterns between men and women. Despite President Reagan's sweeping victory, the gender gap remained a significant feature of the political landscape, with Mr. Mondale's biggest women's majorities coming from minority groups. 1 page.
"Women Doing Well, Election Wise", and "Election Results, Racially Speaking", October 3, 1984
1984-10-03
The article discusses the success of women candidates in the Sept. 29 elections in New Orleans, where women won several political positions, breaking the tradition of bias against women in politics in the city and statewide. 14 pages.
Political participation, Voting, African American women, Political campaigns
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The article discusses the success of women candidates in the Sept. 29 elections in New Orleans, where women won several political positions, breaking the tradition of bias against women in politics in the city and statewide. 14 pages.
"Candidates and Constitutional Amendments", October 1984
1984-10
The League of Women Voters of Georgia, a nonpartisan organization providing election information through its voter service program presents this guide to candidates and Constitutional Amendments for the November 6, 1984 General Election. 4 pages.
Voter registration, Voting, Suffrage, Groups and organizations
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The League of Women Voters of Georgia, a nonpartisan organization providing election information through its voter service program presents this guide to candidates and Constitutional Amendments for the November 6, 1984 General Election. 4 pages.
"Increase and Impact: Black Participation in Southern Electoral Politics During the First Half of 1984", July
1984-07-25
Sherman, Brian, Brimah, K. Farouk
VEP research department essay by Brian Sherman, Ph.D. and K. Farouk Brimah on the increase of participation in voting by the Black population in the South, listing states and percentages. 16 pages.
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civil rights workers, Voter registration, Voting, African Americans--Civil rights, Political participation
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP research department essay by Brian Sherman, Ph.D. and K. Farouk Brimah on the increase of participation in voting by the Black population in the South, listing states and percentages. 16 pages.
"Registration Drive Preceded Jackson's", May 6, 1984
1984-05-06
Black-voter registration and turnout has increased dramatically in the past year, with some of the highest increases occurring in the South, and while Rev. Jesse L. Jackson's presidential candidacy is often credited with this phenomenon, analysts argue that the Reagan Administration's policies, particularly its effort to weaken the Voting Rights Act, played a significant role in spurring voter registration drives and increasing Black voter turnout. 1 page.
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Black-voter registration and turnout has increased dramatically in the past year, with some of the highest increases occurring in the South, and while Rev. Jesse L. Jackson's presidential candidacy is often credited with this phenomenon, analysts argue that the Reagan Administration's policies, particularly its effort to weaken the Voting Rights Act, played a significant role in spurring voter registration drives and increasing Black voter turnout. 1 page.
"New Black Voters Outnumber Whites Nearly 2 to 1", April 18, 1984
1984-04-18
Black voter registration has increased almost 2-to-1 compared to White voter registration in the past 18 months in North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District, potentially giving state Rep. Kenneth B. Spaulding, a Black candidate, an advantage in his bid to defeat the White incumbent, I.T. "Tim" Valentine, for the Democratic nomination in the upcoming primary election, where Black voters are expected to turn out in large numbers, spurred by Jesse L. Jackson's presidential candidacy. 1 page.
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Black voter registration has increased almost 2-to-1 compared to White voter registration in the past 18 months in North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District, potentially giving state Rep. Kenneth B. Spaulding, a Black candidate, an advantage in his bid to defeat the White incumbent, I.T. "Tim" Valentine, for the Democratic nomination in the upcoming primary election, where Black voters are expected to turn out in large numbers, spurred by Jesse L. Jackson's presidential candidacy. 1 page.