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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Materials from the Voter Education Project's 25th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act Conference. The conference featured many events and speakers that honored the legacy of voting rights activism underlying VEP. VEP's work helped to pave the way for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was responsible for spurring the most significant expansion of American democratic processes in the last half of the 20th century. However, VEP still faced challenges in the form of persisting social restraints to successful biracial politics and even some remaining legal barriers to the ballot. Nonetheless, the VEP made significant progress in expanding voting rights for African Americans, and its work was essential to ensuring that all Americans have a voice in our democracy. 211 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
From Protest to Politics 25th Anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act" Conference, November 16, 1990
Date Created
1990-11-16
Description
Materials from the Voter Education Project's 25th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act Conference. The conference featured many events and speakers that honored the legacy of voting rights activism underlying VEP. VEP's work helped to pave the way for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was responsible for spurring the most significant expansion of American democratic processes in the last half of the 20th century. However, VEP still faced challenges in the form of persisting social restraints to successful biracial politics and even some remaining legal barriers to the ballot. Nonetheless, the VEP made significant progress in expanding voting rights for African Americans, and its work was essential to ensuring that all Americans have a voice in our democracy. 211 pages.
Subject
Political participation, Meetings, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Politics and government, Voter registration
Collection
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.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Southern Regional Council News Release, 1992 Presidential Election, February 10, 1989
Date Created
1989-02-10
Description
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.
Subject
Political campaigns, Voter registration, Voting, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Handbook used in the training of Fulton County Field Deputy Registrars, which includes information regarding Georgia election code rules and regulations, registration qualifications, and instructions for completing voter registration. 42 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Fulton County Field Deputy Registrar Instruction" Booklet, circa 1990
Date Created
1988/1992
Description
Handbook used in the training of Fulton County Field Deputy Registrars, which includes information regarding Georgia election code rules and regulations, registration qualifications, and instructions for completing voter registration. 42 pages.
Subject
Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
An invitation to a VEP reception honoring Attorney Donald L. Hollowell.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Reception Invitation, September 23, 1988
Date Created
1988-09-23
Description
An invitation to a VEP reception honoring Attorney Donald L. Hollowell.
Subject
Associations, institutions, etc., Special events
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study on the 1987 mayoral election in College Park, Georgia, Black voters had a majority in voter registration but turnout was significantly lower than white turnout. This resulted in a three-to-one victory margin for the incumbent white mayor. The Voter Education Project (VEP) found that Black voter registration had increased by 7.33% between 1985 and 1987, while white voter registration decreased by 21.43%. VEP called on Black voters in College Park to be more active in the city's politics. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, October 30, 1987
Date Created
1987-10-30
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study on the 1987 mayoral election in College Park, Georgia, Black voters had a majority in voter registration but turnout was significantly lower than white turnout. This resulted in a three-to-one victory margin for the incumbent white mayor. The Voter Education Project (VEP) found that Black voter registration had increased by 7.33% between 1985 and 1987, while white voter registration decreased by 21.43%. VEP called on Black voters in College Park to be more active in the city's politics. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release regarding the 1987 College Park mayoral election, in which white voters participated at a rate almost twice that of Black voters. This disparity in voter turnout helped incumbent mayor T. Owen Smith win by a three-to-one margin over Black candidate Jessie Dent. Dr. K. Farouk Brimah, Director of Research at the Voter Education Project, said that while race played a significant role in the voting behavior of College Park voters, emphasis on increasing the Black vote in the future must be placed on an effective get-out-the-vote campaign. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, October 30, 1987
Date Created
1987-10-30
Description
Press release regarding the 1987 College Park mayoral election, in which white voters participated at a rate almost twice that of Black voters. This disparity in voter turnout helped incumbent mayor T. Owen Smith win by a three-to-one margin over Black candidate Jessie Dent. Dr. K. Farouk Brimah, Director of Research at the Voter Education Project, said that while race played a significant role in the voting behavior of College Park voters, emphasis on increasing the Black vote in the future must be placed on an effective get-out-the-vote campaign. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Southern Women's Political Campaign Workshop brochure describing the workshop schedule an organization's information. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Southern Women's Political Campaign Workshop Brochure, September 26, 1987
Date Created
1987-09-26
Description
The Southern Women's Political Campaign Workshop brochure describing the workshop schedule an organization's information. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, African Americans--Politics and government, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Program for the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the VEP including a schedule of events.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
25th Anniversary Celebration of the VEP, May 8, 1987
Date Created
1987-05-08
Description
Program for the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the VEP including a schedule of events.
Subject
Special events, Associations, institutions, etc., African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding study by the Voter Education Project and the Atlanta University Policy Center, which found that voter turnout in the South increased significantly in the 1986 congressional and senatorial elections. The study found that 51.9% of registered voters in the South went to the polls, up from 41.8% in 1982. The study attributed the increase in voter turnout to a number of factors, including the depressed state of the agriculture and energy economy in the region, the severe cutbacks in federal programs, and the highly inflammatory nature of the campaigns waged by the candidates. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, December 1, 1986
Date Created
1986-12-01
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding study by the Voter Education Project and the Atlanta University Policy Center, which found that voter turnout in the South increased significantly in the 1986 congressional and senatorial elections. The study found that 51.9% of registered voters in the South went to the polls, up from 41.8% in 1982. The study attributed the increase in voter turnout to a number of factors, including the depressed state of the agriculture and energy economy in the region, the severe cutbacks in federal programs, and the highly inflammatory nature of the campaigns waged by the candidates. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study by the Voter Education Project and the Atlanta University Policy Center, which found that the Black vote was crucial to Wyche Fowler's victory in the 1986 Senate race in Georgia. The study found that Black voters turned out at a higher rate than white voters, and they voted overwhelmingly for Fowler. The study also found that Mattingly's endorsement by Ronald Reagan was a major factor in the decline in Black support for him. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, November 10, 1986
Date Created
1986-11-10
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study by the Voter Education Project and the Atlanta University Policy Center, which found that the Black vote was crucial to Wyche Fowler's victory in the 1986 Senate race in Georgia. The study found that Black voters turned out at a higher rate than white voters, and they voted overwhelmingly for Fowler. The study also found that Mattingly's endorsement by Ronald Reagan was a major factor in the decline in Black support for him. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study by the Voter Education Project (VEP) and the Atlanta University Policy Center, which found that Black turnout was not significantly higher than white turnout in the August 12, 1988 Democratic primaries in the 5th Congressional District of Georgia. The study found that 32.5% of Black voters and 31.1% of white voters cast ballots in the Democratic primary, and that only 21.1% of Black voters and 19.1% of white voters cast ballots that actually impacted the outcome of the race. The study also found that the outcome of the Republican primary was determined by the white vote, as only 1.6% of voters cast ballots for the three Republican candidates. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, August 28, 1986
Date Created
1986-08-28
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding a study by the Voter Education Project (VEP) and the Atlanta University Policy Center, which found that Black turnout was not significantly higher than white turnout in the August 12, 1988 Democratic primaries in the 5th Congressional District of Georgia. The study found that 32.5% of Black voters and 31.1% of white voters cast ballots in the Democratic primary, and that only 21.1% of Black voters and 19.1% of white voters cast ballots that actually impacted the outcome of the race. The study also found that the outcome of the Republican primary was determined by the white vote, as only 1.6% of voters cast ballots for the three Republican candidates. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project announcing Harold Sims successful election as VEP's President in 1986, with Geraldine Thompson being re-elected as Executive Director. A new thrust for VEP was adopted, placing equal emphasis on voter education and voter registration. The new thrust also placed the bulk of the organization's funds raised for voter registration in the hands of local groups performing voter registration work. This new direction for VEP reflected the organization's commitment to increasing voter participation and ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to vote. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, January 22, 1986
Date Created
1986-01-22
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project announcing Harold Sims successful election as VEP's President in 1986, with Geraldine Thompson being re-elected as Executive Director. A new thrust for VEP was adopted, placing equal emphasis on voter education and voter registration. The new thrust also placed the bulk of the organization's funds raised for voter registration in the hands of local groups performing voter registration work. This new direction for VEP reflected the organization's commitment to increasing voter participation and ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to vote. 2 pages.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, African American leadership, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Flyer listing registration deadline and voting day. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voting Is a Responsibility, Not Just a Right", 1986
Date Created
1986
Description
Flyer listing registration deadline and voting day. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Political posters, Voter registration, Voting
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A brief history of the VEP, with a plan and objections for the program in 1986. 11 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Introduction of the VEP, With Plan for 1986
Date Created
1985/1988
Description
A brief history of the VEP, with a plan and objections for the program in 1986. 11 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civil rights workers, Voter registration, Voting, African Americans--Civil rights, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence between Geraldine Thompson and Marlene K. Cohn discussing the final stages of developing a publication, "Electoral Participation: Gateway to Democracy" and outline of the publication. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Geraldine Thompson and Marlene K. Cohn, October 17, 1985
Date Created
1985-10-17
Description
Correspondence between Geraldine Thompson and Marlene K. Cohn discussing the final stages of developing a publication, "Electoral Participation: Gateway to Democracy" and outline of the publication. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Women--Societies and clubs
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Targeting the Women's Vote" address before the National Women's Political Caucus report by Paul O. Wilson, president of National Election Services Cooperation. 21 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Targeting the Women's Vote" Address Before the National Women's Political Caucus, June 27, 1985
Date Created
1985-06-27
Description
"Targeting the Women's Vote" address before the National Women's Political Caucus report by Paul O. Wilson, president of National Election Services Cooperation. 21 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project issuing a resolution urging the U.S. Senate to reject the confirmation of William Bradford Reynolds as Associate Attorney General of the United States. VEP believed that Reynolds was not qualified for the position and that his confirmation would further entrench the ongoing reversal in civil rights. VEP cited Reynolds' opposition to the renewal of the Voting Rights Act, his misinterpretation of the law, and his attempts to give tax exemptions to segregated schools as evidence of his unsuitability for the position. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, June 19, 1985
Date Created
1985-06-19
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project issuing a resolution urging the U.S. Senate to reject the confirmation of William Bradford Reynolds as Associate Attorney General of the United States. VEP believed that Reynolds was not qualified for the position and that his confirmation would further entrench the ongoing reversal in civil rights. VEP cited Reynolds' opposition to the renewal of the Voting Rights Act, his misinterpretation of the law, and his attempts to give tax exemptions to segregated schools as evidence of his unsuitability for the position. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project announcing the first Statewide Black Women's Conference on the campus of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Saturday, June 22nd, 1985. The keynote speaker for the conference was set to be former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. The conference was designed to encourage Black women to participate in the political process and to become more involved in local politics. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, May 28, 1985
Date Created
1985-05-28
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project announcing the first Statewide Black Women's Conference on the campus of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Saturday, June 22nd, 1985. The keynote speaker for the conference was set to be former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. The conference was designed to encourage Black women to participate in the political process and to become more involved in local politics. 2 pages.
Subject
Meetings, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Politics and government, African American leadership
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding an analysis of the mayoralty and councilmanic elections in College Park, Georgia. The analysis found that there were numerous obstacles to full and fair Black political participation in College Park, including the election date, the location of the polls, and the way registration lists and registration data were maintained. The analysis also found that Blacks were more likely to be purged from the voter rolls than whites. VEP Executive Director Gerri Thompson said that the obstacles in College Park were typical of cities and other jurisdictions throughout the South where Blacks struggled for a fair share of political power. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, May 22, 1985
Date Created
1985-05-22
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project regarding an analysis of the mayoralty and councilmanic elections in College Park, Georgia. The analysis found that there were numerous obstacles to full and fair Black political participation in College Park, including the election date, the location of the polls, and the way registration lists and registration data were maintained. The analysis also found that Blacks were more likely to be purged from the voter rolls than whites. VEP Executive Director Gerri Thompson said that the obstacles in College Park were typical of cities and other jurisdictions throughout the South where Blacks struggled for a fair share of political power. 2 pages.
Subject
African American leadership, City planning, Race discrimination, Gerrymandering, African Americans--Civil rights, African American neighborhoods, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project discussing how Black candidates for municipal, county, and state offices faced primary and general elections in 1985 throughout the South. There were several important races, including the contest for Lieutenant Governor in Virginia, the mayor's race in Jackson, Mississippi, and municipal elections in Georgia and Alabama under new single-member district election plans. The Voter Education Project (VEP) encouraged Black voters to participate in these elections and to let their power be felt. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, May 7, 1985
Date Created
1985-05-07
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project discussing how Black candidates for municipal, county, and state offices faced primary and general elections in 1985 throughout the South. There were several important races, including the contest for Lieutenant Governor in Virginia, the mayor's race in Jackson, Mississippi, and municipal elections in Georgia and Alabama under new single-member district election plans. The Voter Education Project (VEP) encouraged Black voters to participate in these elections and to let their power be felt. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Demographic surveys
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records