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 = African American civic leaders
  • Subjects = Political participation
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
Article on Macon Mayor George Israel, and how his coalition building methods has made him popular in both Democratic and Republican Parties. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Macon Mayor Adds Liberal Touch to Reagan Campaign in Georgia", December 4, 1983
Date Created
1983-12-04
Description
Article on Macon Mayor George Israel, and how his coalition building methods has made him popular in both Democratic and Republican Parties. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article on the about the gain of Black public officials in Alabama, including legislators, judges, sheriffs, superintendents and circuit clerks. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Blacks Elected to Office in State at Record Number", November 11, 1982
Date Created
1982-11-11
Description
Article on the about the gain of Black public officials in Alabama, including legislators, judges, sheriffs, superintendents and circuit clerks. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"State increase of Black officials is ranked No.1," about the gain of Black public officials in Alabama, along with clippings "Black mayors plan meeting in Birmingham", March 18, 1982, and "Small towns revived by big city 'refugees'", February 8, 1976. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"State Increase of Black Officials is Ranked No.1", November 10, 1982
Date Created
1982-11-10
Description
"State increase of Black officials is ranked No.1," about the gain of Black public officials in Alabama, along with clippings "Black mayors plan meeting in Birmingham", March 18, 1982, and "Small towns revived by big city 'refugees'", February 8, 1976. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"City commission term may be over before court decides on McLean suit", and "This time out, Black voters got their message across", articles on Jack McLean's delayed trial hearing and how increased Black voting turnout helped elect more Black political leaders and flip parties in some elections. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"City Commission Term May Be Over Before Court Decides on McLean Suit", November 8, 1982
Date Created
1982-11-08
Description
"City commission term may be over before court decides on McLean suit", and "This time out, Black voters got their message across", articles on Jack McLean's delayed trial hearing and how increased Black voting turnout helped elect more Black political leaders and flip parties in some elections. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders, Political participation, Voting, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Blacks gain in General Assembly", and "Big voter turnout laid to 3 factors", news clippings with routing slip. 5 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Blacks Gain in General Assembly", November 5, 1982
Date Created
1982-11-05
Description
"Blacks gain in General Assembly", and "Big voter turnout laid to 3 factors", news clippings with routing slip. 5 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The article discusses the possibility of President Jimmy Carter appointing two Black Cabinet members, with speculation on which positions they would fill and who the potential candidates are, while also touching on the expectations of the Black community for Carter's actions and leadership. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Carter Cabinet Guesses", November 13, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-13
Description
The article discusses the possibility of President Jimmy Carter appointing two Black Cabinet members, with speculation on which positions they would fill and who the potential candidates are, while also touching on the expectations of the Black community for Carter's actions and leadership. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, Political participation, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article on how the Jimmy Carter administration is expected to appoint two Black Cabinet officers, with names including Andrew Young, Barbara Jordan, and Vernon Jordan, as Black political leaders seek to ensure that Blacks receive acceptable appointments and prioritize the passage of full employment legislation and postcard voter registration bill, with hopes for continued dialogues and moral leadership from Carter. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Which Blacks Will Emerge To Be in Carters Cabinet?", November 7, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-07
Description
Article on how the Jimmy Carter administration is expected to appoint two Black Cabinet officers, with names including Andrew Young, Barbara Jordan, and Vernon Jordan, as Black political leaders seek to ensure that Blacks receive acceptable appointments and prioritize the passage of full employment legislation and postcard voter registration bill, with hopes for continued dialogues and moral leadership from Carter. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, Political participation, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
This article describes the influential role that Rep. Andrew Young and the "Black Atlanta Connection" played in securing Jimmy Carter's election as President of the United States, with prominent Georgians and other figures supporting Carter's campaign through their political power, personal integrity, and outreach efforts to African American communities. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Atlanta Connection Did Well", November 6, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-06
Description
This article describes the influential role that Rep. Andrew Young and the "Black Atlanta Connection" played in securing Jimmy Carter's election as President of the United States, with prominent Georgians and other figures supporting Carter's campaign through their political power, personal integrity, and outreach efforts to African American communities. 2 pages.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation, African American civic leaders, African American mayors
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A report describing the work of interns in the Georgia Legislature. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Legislative Internship Program Report, January 1971
Date Created
1971-01
Description
A report describing the work of interns in the Georgia Legislature. 4 pages.
Subject
Voting, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders, African American students
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A copy of a newspaper clipping with accompanying correspondence regarding an increase in the number of Black elected officials in the South. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Upward The Black, Down South", December 1, 1970
Date Created
1970--12-01
Description
A copy of a newspaper clipping with accompanying correspondence regarding an increase in the number of Black elected officials in the South. 2 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing the candidates for Governor of Georgia and the increase in Black political power in the state. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Negro Voters A stir in the Peach State", June 6, 1970
Date Created
1970--06-06
Description
A newspaper clipping describing the candidates for Governor of Georgia and the increase in Black political power in the state. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Proposal for methods of assuring minority representation on appointive and commissions composed by Jake Wicker in regard to his research on fair representation in appointed positions. In 1969, the North Carolina General Assembly created the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Charter Commission to develop a charter for consolidated government in Charlotte-Mecklenburg County. The Commission was tasked with including provisions in the charter to assure fair representation on all appointive boards and commissions. The Commission considered a number of approaches, including requiring that some members of certain boards and commissions be women or members of minority groups, limiting the number of members of the same race or sex on a board, and giving individual members of the governing board appointing authority. The Commission also considered the use of ex officio membership on boards and commissions. All of these methods were detailed in the following report included in the VEP's "Election Notebook." 1 page. 16 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Charter Commission Minority Representation Proposal, May 5, 1970
Date Created
1970-05-05
Description
Proposal for methods of assuring minority representation on appointive and commissions composed by Jake Wicker in regard to his research on fair representation in appointed positions. In 1969, the North Carolina General Assembly created the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Charter Commission to develop a charter for consolidated government in Charlotte-Mecklenburg County. The Commission was tasked with including provisions in the charter to assure fair representation on all appointive boards and commissions. The Commission considered a number of approaches, including requiring that some members of certain boards and commissions be women or members of minority groups, limiting the number of members of the same race or sex on a board, and giving individual members of the governing board appointing authority. The Commission also considered the use of ex officio membership on boards and commissions. All of these methods were detailed in the following report included in the VEP's "Election Notebook." 1 page. 16 pages.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A report published by the Metropolitan Applied Research Center detailing the increase in Black elected officials. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black Elected Officials Increase Markedly Since 1968", April 3, 1970
Date Created
1970--04-03
Description
A report published by the Metropolitan Applied Research Center detailing the increase in Black elected officials. 2 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping referencing Vernon Jordan and Ben Brown's possible run for Congress. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"2 Negroes Sticking to Congress Plans", December 12, 1969
Date Created
1969-12-12
Description
A newspaper clipping referencing Vernon Jordan and Ben Brown's possible run for Congress. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping discussing potential candidates for the Fifth District congressional seat. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Race for Congress", November 18, 1969
Date Created
1969-11-18
Description
A newspaper clipping discussing potential candidates for the Fifth District congressional seat. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping announcing Florida A&M University's hosting of the first annual Black Elected Officials Conference with honored guests including Julian Bond and Howard Lee. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Blacks Bring Bond Here", November 13, 1969
Date Created
1969-11-13
Description
A newspaper clipping announcing Florida A&M University's hosting of the first annual Black Elected Officials Conference with honored guests including Julian Bond and Howard Lee. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping regarding candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"'Some Black Man Should Oppose Thompson,' Say Rep. Ben Brown", November 1, 1969
Date Created
1969-11-01
Description
A newspaper clipping regarding candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives. 2 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping regarding Carl Sanders' campaign for Governor of Georgia. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Sanders Forces Shaping Campaign to Court Voters in Urban Areas", October 31, 1969
Date Created
1969-10-31
Description
A newspaper clipping regarding Carl Sanders' campaign for Governor of Georgia. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A memo and accompanying article describing a meeting of Black officials and reference to Kenneth B. Clark's non-profit research corporation, the Metropolitan Applied Research Center. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Cities Outlook", October 4, 1969
Date Created
1969--10-04
Description
A memo and accompanying article describing a meeting of Black officials and reference to Kenneth B. Clark's non-profit research corporation, the Metropolitan Applied Research Center. 2 pages.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records