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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  • Decade = 1970-1979
  • Subjects = Civil rights movements
Two men discuss a report in Southern Pines, North Carolina.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Two Men Discuss a Report, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Two men discuss a report in Southern Pines, North Carolina.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Felton Capel receives commendation for being elected to the Southern Pines town council for a fith term.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Felton Capel Celebrates Fifth Term to Town Council in Southern Pines, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Felton Capel receives commendation for being elected to the Southern Pines town council for a fith term.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article discussing Black leaders rallying in support of Vernon Jordan, who criticized the Carter administration's record on civil rights and social programs. Benjamin Hooks, executive director of the NAACP, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson also echoed Jordan's criticisms. Carter defended his record, but there were indications that a rift was developing between the White House and Black leaders. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black Leaders Support Jordan Attack on Carter", July 27, 1977
Date Created
1977-07-27
Description
Newspaper article discussing Black leaders rallying in support of Vernon Jordan, who criticized the Carter administration's record on civil rights and social programs. Benjamin Hooks, executive director of the NAACP, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson also echoed Jordan's criticisms. Carter defended his record, but there were indications that a rift was developing between the White House and Black leaders. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements, Presidents
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article from The Atlanta Constitution endorsing John R. Lewis for the Fifth District congressional seat in an upcoming special election after it was vacated by Andrew Young after his appointment to the United Nations. Among its reasons for endorsing Lewis as a worthy successor to Young, the Constitution primarily believed that he would be a strong advocate for the people of the district. The Constitution also noted that Lewis was an original freedom rider and leader of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, emphasizing his deep understanding of the political process and the problems facing the Fifth District. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"John Lewis", March 10, 1977
Date Created
1977-03-10
Description
Newspaper article from The Atlanta Constitution endorsing John R. Lewis for the Fifth District congressional seat in an upcoming special election after it was vacated by Andrew Young after his appointment to the United Nations. Among its reasons for endorsing Lewis as a worthy successor to Young, the Constitution primarily believed that he would be a strong advocate for the people of the district. The Constitution also noted that Lewis was an original freedom rider and leader of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, emphasizing his deep understanding of the political process and the problems facing the Fifth District. 1 page.
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
Newspaper op-ed by John R Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, calling on the United States to withdraw its support for the apartheid government of South Africa. Lewis argued that the United States was morally obligated to support majority rule in South Africa and that its current policies are only prolonging the suffering of Black South Africans. He proposed a number of concrete steps that the United States could take to end apartheid, including isolating South Africa from public and private support, participating in the United Nations embargo against South Africa, and repealing the Byrd Amendment. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"John Lewis: Beginning Steps For South Africa", December 25, 1976
Date Created
1976-12-25
Description
Newspaper op-ed by John R Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, calling on the United States to withdraw its support for the apartheid government of South Africa. Lewis argued that the United States was morally obligated to support majority rule in South Africa and that its current policies are only prolonging the suffering of Black South Africans. He proposed a number of concrete steps that the United States could take to end apartheid, including isolating South Africa from public and private support, participating in the United Nations embargo against South Africa, and repealing the Byrd Amendment. 1 page.
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
Newspaper article describing controversy over Andrew Young's appointment as ambassador to the United Nations among his friends and constituents in Atlanta. Some of Young's closest friends believed that he could do more good for America's disadvantaged by staying in Congress and helping to steer passage of legislation critical to Blacks and other minorities. Others were concerned about the political chaos that could follow in the choice of Young's successor in his biracial 5th Congressional District. The district was 62% white, and it was generally believed that Young was the only public figure who could appeal enough to both races to defeat a white candidate. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Young's Decision Draws Criticism", December 19, 1976
Date Created
1976-12-19
Description
Newspaper article describing controversy over Andrew Young's appointment as ambassador to the United Nations among his friends and constituents in Atlanta. Some of Young's closest friends believed that he could do more good for America's disadvantaged by staying in Congress and helping to steer passage of legislation critical to Blacks and other minorities. Others were concerned about the political chaos that could follow in the choice of Young's successor in his biracial 5th Congressional District. The district was 62% white, and it was generally believed that Young was the only public figure who could appeal enough to both races to defeat a white candidate. 1 page.
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
Newspaper article sent to John R. Lewis from Ross Range discussing the prevailing feelings of Southerners who have moved to the North and how they viewed the election of Jimmy Carter as President as an opportunity for how the South was viewed by the rest of the country. The article features the interviews of several Southerners who experienced prejudice and alienation in the North, but who were ultimately proud of Carter's election as a symbol of the South's progress. The article concluded that the election of Carter was a sign that the South was finally being accepted. 5 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"'North had its foot on neck of South for long time'," November 14, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-14
Description
Newspaper article sent to John R. Lewis from Ross Range discussing the prevailing feelings of Southerners who have moved to the North and how they viewed the election of Jimmy Carter as President as an opportunity for how the South was viewed by the rest of the country. The article features the interviews of several Southerners who experienced prejudice and alienation in the North, but who were ultimately proud of Carter's election as a symbol of the South's progress. The article concluded that the election of Carter was a sign that the South was finally being accepted. 5 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
Newspaper op-ed by John R. Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, imploring Black Americans to exercise their right to vote in the 1976 elections. Lewis argued that the vote was a powerful tool that could be used to transform communities, improve education, and achieve economic equality. He urged Black Americans to use their votes to elect officials who would represent their interests and create a better future for all. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Liberation Day November 2, 1976", October 27, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-27
Description
Newspaper op-ed by John R. Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, imploring Black Americans to exercise their right to vote in the 1976 elections. Lewis argued that the vote was a powerful tool that could be used to transform communities, improve education, and achieve economic equality. He urged Black Americans to use their votes to elect officials who would represent their interests and create a better future for all. 1 page.
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
Correspondence from Harald Hamrin, jounalist for the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter, addressed to John R. Lewis regarding Hamrin's attached article discussing Lewis' civil rights activities in America. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"De Svartas Kampanda Ska Vackas", October 18, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-18
Description
Correspondence from Harald Hamrin, jounalist for the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter, addressed to John R. Lewis regarding Hamrin's attached article discussing Lewis' civil rights activities in America. 3 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
Newspaper article featuring the sentiments of John R. Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, as he discussed the importance of voting and the challenges facing voter registration efforts in the South. Lewis argued that voter apathy and cynicism were among the major obstacles to increasing voter turnout, especially among young people. He also cited the lack of universal voter registration and the intimidation of Black voters by law enforcement as problems that needed to be addressed. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Apathy Irks Man Who Fought For Vote", October 10, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-10
Description
Newspaper article featuring the sentiments of John R. Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, as he discussed the importance of voting and the challenges facing voter registration efforts in the South. Lewis argued that voter apathy and cynicism were among the major obstacles to increasing voter turnout, especially among young people. He also cited the lack of universal voter registration and the intimidation of Black voters by law enforcement as problems that needed to be addressed. 1 page.
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
Newspaper article describing plans for John R. Lewis, the executive director of the Voter Education Project (VEP), and Georgia State Rep. David Scott to speak at a "Get Out the Vote Rally" on Tuesday, October 12, 1976, at Texas College Martin Hall. The non-partisan event was designed to encourage people to vote in the upcoming general election. Lewis and Scott were also set to meet with local community leaders at Bethlehem Baptist Church prior to the rally. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Lewis To Speak At 'Vote' Rally", October 8, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-08
Description
Newspaper article describing plans for John R. Lewis, the executive director of the Voter Education Project (VEP), and Georgia State Rep. David Scott to speak at a "Get Out the Vote Rally" on Tuesday, October 12, 1976, at Texas College Martin Hall. The non-partisan event was designed to encourage people to vote in the upcoming general election. Lewis and Scott were also set to meet with local community leaders at Bethlehem Baptist Church prior to the rally. 1 page.
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
Newspaper article describing local Mississippi chapters of the League of Women Voters' petitioning of the national League to sponsor televised debates between Jimmy Carter and President Ford. The League agreed to sponsor three televised debates between the two candidates, and one vice presidential debate. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Local Leagues Pushed For Debates", October 3, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-03
Description
Newspaper article describing local Mississippi chapters of the League of Women Voters' petitioning of the national League to sponsor televised debates between Jimmy Carter and President Ford. The League agreed to sponsor three televised debates between the two candidates, and one vice presidential debate. 1 page.
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
Newspaper article describing John R. Lewis sentiments on voter registration after speaking at a press conference in Greenville, South Carolina, on September 26, 1976. Lewis urged Black voters to register to vote before the October 2 registration deadline. Lewis said that he and his colleagues found that 80% of the students at a community college in Mississippi were not registered to vote. He also insisted that the federal government do more to make it easier to register to vote. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voter Registration Urged Of Blacks", September 29, 1976
Date Created
1976-09-29
Description
Newspaper article describing John R. Lewis sentiments on voter registration after speaking at a press conference in Greenville, South Carolina, on September 26, 1976. Lewis urged Black voters to register to vote before the October 2 registration deadline. Lewis said that he and his colleagues found that 80% of the students at a community college in Mississippi were not registered to vote. He also insisted that the federal government do more to make it easier to register to vote. 1 page.
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
Newspaper op-ed commending John R. Lewis for his long-time commitment to achieving civil rights for minority voters in the South, despite brutal and violent attempts to oppose civil rights efforts. The writer recognized Lewis as a civil rights icon who fought for equality and justice in the 1960s. Lewis was arrested 40 times and endured violence, but never gave up. Lewis also served as the Executive Director of the Voter Education Project where he continued to fight for social change. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Courage Won the Victory", August 2, 1976
Date Created
1976-08-02
Description
Newspaper op-ed commending John R. Lewis for his long-time commitment to achieving civil rights for minority voters in the South, despite brutal and violent attempts to oppose civil rights efforts. The writer recognized Lewis as a civil rights icon who fought for equality and justice in the 1960s. Lewis was arrested 40 times and endured violence, but never gave up. Lewis also served as the Executive Director of the Voter Education Project where he continued to fight for social change. 1 page.
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
Newspaper article describing John R. Lewis's statements at the Institute on Nonviolence and Social Change, where he argued that the philosophy of nonviolence was still important years after the civil rights movement's end. He said that nonviolence was an "ongoing process" towards the building of a community of justice and peace, and that the nonviolent movement of the 1960s was merely a bridge over troubled waters. 1 page
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Civil Rights Leader Says Nonviolence Still Needed", July 28, 1976
Date Created
1976-07-28
Description
Newspaper article describing John R. Lewis's statements at the Institute on Nonviolence and Social Change, where he argued that the philosophy of nonviolence was still important years after the civil rights movement's end. He said that nonviolence was an "ongoing process" towards the building of a community of justice and peace, and that the nonviolent movement of the 1960s was merely a bridge over troubled waters. 1 page
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
Newspaper article describing two Southern politicians, Bob Bullock of Texas and Zell Miller of Georgia, public support of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Bullock stated that the law was working and protecting the right to vote, while Miller stated that it should be extended to the entire nation. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Good Old Boys in the New South", November 30, 1975
Date Created
1975-11-30
Description
Newspaper article describing two Southern politicians, Bob Bullock of Texas and Zell Miller of Georgia, public support of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Bullock stated that the law was working and protecting the right to vote, while Miller stated that it should be extended to the entire nation. 1 page.
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
Newspaper article describing Georgia Lieutenant Governor Zell Miller's calls for all states to be brought under the provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Miller said that the act, which was passed to ensure that all Americans, regardless of race, creed, or color, are not discriminated against at the polls, was only applied to seven states, including Georgia and Texas. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Zell Miller Vows Campaign To Make U.S. Voting Rights Act Nationwide", November 27, 1975
Date Created
1975-11-27
Description
Newspaper article describing Georgia Lieutenant Governor Zell Miller's calls for all states to be brought under the provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Miller said that the act, which was passed to ensure that all Americans, regardless of race, creed, or color, are not discriminated against at the polls, was only applied to seven states, including Georgia and Texas. 1 page.
Subject
Political campaigns, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing Lt. Gov. Zell Miller of Georgia's praise of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 for increasing voter registration and the number of Black elected officials in the South. However, he criticized Congress for not applying the law uniformly to all 50 states. Miller said that the law should be extended to all states, not just the South and states with large Spanish-speaking populations. He argued that it was discriminatory to apply the law to some states but not to others. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Miller in Texas, Praises Voting Act", November 24, 1975
Date Created
1975-11-24
Description
Newspaper article describing Lt. Gov. Zell Miller of Georgia's praise of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 for increasing voter registration and the number of Black elected officials in the South. However, he criticized Congress for not applying the law uniformly to all 50 states. Miller said that the law should be extended to all states, not just the South and states with large Spanish-speaking populations. He argued that it was discriminatory to apply the law to some states but not to others. 1 page.
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
Newspaper article describing President Ford's signing of a seven-year extension of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, despite warnings from some political advisers that it could harm his conservative image in the South. The legislation was passed by Congress over the objections of some Southern lawmakers, who argued that it was punitive and unfairly regional in scope. Ford's decision to sign the bill was praised by civil rights leaders, who said it was a victory for democracy. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Ford in Publicity Glare For Voter Rights Signing", August 7, 1975
Date Created
1975-08-07
Description
Newspaper article describing President Ford's signing of a seven-year extension of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, despite warnings from some political advisers that it could harm his conservative image in the South. The legislation was passed by Congress over the objections of some Southern lawmakers, who argued that it was punitive and unfairly regional in scope. Ford's decision to sign the bill was praised by civil rights leaders, who said it was a victory for democracy. 1 page.
Subject
Presidents, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing Lt. Gov. Zell Miller of Georgia's calls for voting law changes that would increase voter registration and turnout. He specifically called for a switch to voter registration by mail, polling places to be open until 9 p.m., the mandated purge of voting lists to be expanded or eliminated, and ballots to be simplified. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Miller Asks Voting Reforms", August 6, 1975
Date Created
1975-08-06
Description
Newspaper article describing Lt. Gov. Zell Miller of Georgia's calls for voting law changes that would increase voter registration and turnout. He specifically called for a switch to voter registration by mail, polling places to be open until 9 p.m., the mandated purge of voting lists to be expanded or eliminated, and ballots to be simplified. 1 page.
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