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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  • Geographic Location = Washington (D.C.)
  • Subjects = African Americans--Civil rights
Wyche Fowler presents a draft of the Minority Farmers Rights legislation, developed with the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, to address the decline of Black farming in America, and to provide technical assistance to enable Black and other limited resource farmers to retain and develop their land. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Minority Farmers Rights Act of 1989 Discussion Draft, October 1989
Date Created
1989-10
Description
Wyche Fowler presents a draft of the Minority Farmers Rights legislation, developed with the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, to address the decline of Black farming in America, and to provide technical assistance to enable Black and other limited resource farmers to retain and develop their land. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Social conditions, African Americans--Economic conditions
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Report from the Census Bureau examining voter turnout in the 1988 presidential election. The report found that voter turnout among Black Americans decreased from 56% in 1984 to 52% in 1988, with white voter turnout also decreasing from 61% to 59%, while Hispanic voter turnout fell from 33% to 29%. The report also found that Black voter turnout was higher in the North and West than it was in the South. Among Whites, voter turnout was higher in the North and West than in the South. Overall, the report found that registration rates among Black Americans, White Americans, and Hispanic Americans all decreased from 1984 to 1988. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black Voter Turnout and Registration Rates Fall In Last Presidential Election, Census Bureau Reports", March
Date Created
1989-03-08
Description
Report from the Census Bureau examining voter turnout in the 1988 presidential election. The report found that voter turnout among Black Americans decreased from 56% in 1984 to 52% in 1988, with white voter turnout also decreasing from 61% to 59%, while Hispanic voter turnout fell from 33% to 29%. The report also found that Black voter turnout was higher in the North and West than it was in the South. Among Whites, voter turnout was higher in the North and West than in the South. Overall, the report found that registration rates among Black Americans, White Americans, and Hispanic Americans all decreased from 1984 to 1988. 3 pages.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political participation
Collection
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.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Operation Big Vote Newsletter, February 27, 1985
Date Created
1985-02-27
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Voting, Groups and organizations
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, a coalition of 160 national organizations advocating for civil rights, released its Voting Record for the 97th Congress, showing that five Senators and 61 Representatives had a perfect voting record, while seven Senators and 27 Representatives consistently voted against civil rights issues; the report highlights the successes and challenges faced in advancing civil rights legislation and emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and coalition efforts to protect past accomplishments and promote equality of opportunity for all citizens. 24 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Leadership Conference Issues Voting Record for 97th Congress", October 25, 1982
Date Created
1982-10-25
Description
The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, a coalition of 160 national organizations advocating for civil rights, released its Voting Record for the 97th Congress, showing that five Senators and 61 Representatives had a perfect voting record, while seven Senators and 27 Representatives consistently voted against civil rights issues; the report highlights the successes and challenges faced in advancing civil rights legislation and emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and coalition efforts to protect past accomplishments and promote equality of opportunity for all citizens. 24 pages.
Subject
Associations, institutions, etc., African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
On June 18, the Senate passed the Voting Rights Extension Act by a vote of 85-to-8, culminating a year and a half struggle to continue the protections of the federal civil rights law despite initial opposition and attempts to weaken it, with bipartisan efforts leading to the passage of a strong and effective extension bill. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Memo, Voting Right Extension Act, June 29, 1982
Date Created
1982-06-29
Description
On June 18, the Senate passed the Voting Rights Extension Act by a vote of 85-to-8, culminating a year and a half struggle to continue the protections of the federal civil rights law despite initial opposition and attempts to weaken it, with bipartisan efforts leading to the passage of a strong and effective extension bill. 3 pages.
Subject
Associations, institutions, etc., African Americans--Civil rights, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Equality For All" brochure detailing civil rights issues by the Multicultural Task Force of America. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Equality For All" Brochure, 1982
Date Created
1982
Description
"Equality For All" brochure detailing civil rights issues by the Multicultural Task Force of America. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, Community Development, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Report of the LWVEF Litigation Workshop on Reapportionment and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which includes a general summary, equal population standards, with additional information. 9 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Report of the LWVEF Litigation Workshop on Reapportionment and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, March 6, 1981
Date Created
1981-03-06
Description
Report of the LWVEF Litigation Workshop on Reapportionment and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which includes a general summary, equal population standards, with additional information. 9 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
"Women and the Vote - 1984" A fact sheet on the wage gender gap which includes data and historical context. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Women and the Vote - 1984" Fact Sheet, circa 1980
Date Created
1980/1986
Description
"Women and the Vote - 1984" A fact sheet on the wage gender gap which includes data and historical context. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, African Americans--Employment, African Americans--Economic conditions, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article recording remarks made during a Congressional session held on September 16, 1976 regarding Black voter participation. The speaker, "Mr. Glenn", noted the obstacles to Black voter participation in the United States, particularly in the South. Glenn cited examples of voter intimidation, discrimination, and harassment, and argued that these practices were still prevalent despite the passage of the Voting Rights Act. The author also highlighted the work of the Voter Education Project (VEP), in its work to register and mobilize Black voters. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black Voter Participation," September 16, 1976
Date Created
1976-09-16
Description
Newspaper article recording remarks made during a Congressional session held on September 16, 1976 regarding Black voter participation. The speaker, "Mr. Glenn", noted the obstacles to Black voter participation in the United States, particularly in the South. Glenn cited examples of voter intimidation, discrimination, and harassment, and argued that these practices were still prevalent despite the passage of the Voting Rights Act. The author also highlighted the work of the Voter Education Project (VEP), in its work to register and mobilize Black voters. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Federal Regulations, with the objective of making the registration and voting process for language minority groups comparable to that of English speakers, and providing guidance on compliance with Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. 6 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Department of Justice, Voting Rights Act Interim Guidelines Regarding Language Minority Groups, October 3, 197
Date Created
1975-10-03
Description
Federal Regulations, with the objective of making the registration and voting process for language minority groups comparable to that of English speakers, and providing guidance on compliance with Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. 6 pages.
Subject
Voter registration, Political science, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
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
Joint Center for Political Studies publication with articles on extending the Voting Rights Act and urban homesteading. 16 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Focus: The New Frontier in Our Cities, Vol. 3, No. 1, November 1974
Date Created
1974-11
Description
Joint Center for Political Studies publication with articles on extending the Voting Rights Act and urban homesteading. 16 pages.
Subject
Voting, African Americans--Civil rights, Political science
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Joint Center for Political Studies publication with articles on the Voting Rights Act of 1975. 8 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Focus: Voting Rights Act of 1975, Vol. 2, No. 7, May 1974
Date Created
1974-05
Description
Joint Center for Political Studies publication with articles on the Voting Rights Act of 1975. 8 pages.
Subject
Voting, African Americans--Civil rights, Political science
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Keller Bumgardner and Conference Participants, "Making Election Process Work Conference" in Columbia, South Carolina memorandum summarizing the conference recommendations. 5 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Keller Bumgardner and Conference Participants, October 18, 1973
Date Created
1973-10-18
Description
Correspondence Between Keller Bumgardner and Conference Participants, "Making Election Process Work Conference" in Columbia, South Carolina memorandum summarizing the conference recommendations. 5 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
Correspondence between Mrs. Keller Bumgardner, Election Systems Project and Election Systems Project Conference Participants about election conference in Columbia, South Carolina with details of the conference. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Election Systems Project and Election Systems Project Conference Participants, Septembe
Date Created
1973-09-11
Description
Correspondence between Mrs. Keller Bumgardner, Election Systems Project and Election Systems Project Conference Participants about election conference in Columbia, South Carolina with details of the conference. 1 page.
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
"Facts: League of Women Voters of the United States 1973-74" brochure detailing the national program, community work, voters services, and publications. 5 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Facts League of Women Voters of the United States 1973-74 Brochure, 1973-1974
Date Created
1973
Description
"Facts: League of Women Voters of the United States 1973-74" brochure detailing the national program, community work, voters services, and publications. 5 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
League of Women Voters Education Fund brochure "Removing Administrative Obstacles to Voting" which guides communities on the obstacles to voting with attached memo to John Lewis. 11 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Removing Administrative Obstacles to Voting", September 15, 1972
Date Created
1972-09-15
Description
League of Women Voters Education Fund brochure "Removing Administrative Obstacles to Voting" which guides communities on the obstacles to voting with attached memo to John Lewis. 11 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, Women--Societies and clubs, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Materials for the August 15 Meeting in Washington" which includes drafts of the memorandum to local and state league Presidents, and pre-election guide to removing administrative obstacles to voting. 38 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Materials for the August 15 Meeting in Washington", August 15, 1972
Date Created
1972-08-15
Description
"Materials for the August 15 Meeting in Washington" which includes drafts of the memorandum to local and state league Presidents, and pre-election guide to removing administrative obstacles to voting. 38 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
Correspondence Between Charlene Haykel and Members of the Election Systems Project Program Committee with invitation to the convention and reports of the committee meeting and "Hypothetical Case: Rural County". 5 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Charlene Haykel and Members of the Election Systems Project Program Committee, July 19,
Date Created
1972-07-19
Description
Correspondence Between Charlene Haykel and Members of the Election Systems Project Program Committee with invitation to the convention and reports of the committee meeting and "Hypothetical Case: Rural County". 5 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
Proposed agenda, Conference on Expanding the Electorate-Administrative Obstacles to Voting August 1-2, 1972 detailing schedule of events and programs. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Proposed Agenda Conference on Expanding the Electorate-Administrative Obstacles to Voting August 1-2, 1972, Ju
Date Created
1972-07-14
Description
Proposed agenda, Conference on Expanding the Electorate-Administrative Obstacles to Voting August 1-2, 1972 detailing schedule of events and programs. 2 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