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 = Voter registration
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
Newspaper book review of Abigail Themstrom's "Whose Votes Count: Affirmative Action and Minority Voting Rights", which examined the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and its impact on minority representation in government. Themstrom argued that the act had been distorted from its original intent and that the current focus on proportional representation was misguided. She believed that the act should be amended to focus on equality of opportunity, rather than equality of outcomes. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Beginning with Voting", February 20, 1989
Date Created
1989-02-20
Description
Newspaper book review of Abigail Themstrom's "Whose Votes Count: Affirmative Action and Minority Voting Rights", which examined the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and its impact on minority representation in government. Themstrom argued that the act had been distorted from its original intent and that the current focus on proportional representation was misguided. She believed that the act should be amended to focus on equality of opportunity, rather than equality of outcomes. 4 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
The 20th Anniversary Commemoration of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March was successful in generating community support and bringing attention to ongoing issues in voter registration and civil rights, with a delegation of Black leaders meeting with Alabama Governor George Wallace to discuss abolishing at-large election schemes, expanding job opportunities for Blacks, and the upcoming trial of the Perry County 3, while a survey conducted by the Black Women's Voter Project of VEP found that over 90% of Black women interviewed said they have seen the need to continue voter registration efforts because of the march. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Reflections on the Selma March and Plans for the Future", March 8, 1985
Date Created
1985--03-08
Description
The 20th Anniversary Commemoration of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March was successful in generating community support and bringing attention to ongoing issues in voter registration and civil rights, with a delegation of Black leaders meeting with Alabama Governor George Wallace to discuss abolishing at-large election schemes, expanding job opportunities for Blacks, and the upcoming trial of the Perry County 3, while a survey conducted by the Black Women's Voter Project of VEP found that over 90% of Black women interviewed said they have seen the need to continue voter registration efforts because of the march. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers, African American women
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project announcing an upcoming Contemporary Voting Rights Conference in Jackson, Mississippi with featured speakers and discussion leaders from a variety of organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The conference sought to provide information and resources on the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization, redistricting, and reapportionment. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, September 29, 1981
Date Created
1981-09-29
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project announcing an upcoming Contemporary Voting Rights Conference in Jackson, Mississippi with featured speakers and discussion leaders from a variety of organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The conference sought to provide information and resources on the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization, redistricting, and reapportionment. 2 pages.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project discussing a coalition of human rights and civil rights organizations', along with Mayor Maynard Jackson, calls for the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act. Their proposed measure would extend the Act through 1992 and provide a new way for jurisdictions covered by the Act to "bail-out." The coalition urged citizens to contact their Congresspersons and encourage them to support the measure. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, September 17, 1981
Date Created
1981-09-17
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project discussing a coalition of human rights and civil rights organizations', along with Mayor Maynard Jackson, calls for the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act. Their proposed measure would extend the Act through 1992 and provide a new way for jurisdictions covered by the Act to "bail-out." The coalition urged citizens to contact their Congresspersons and encourage them to support the measure. 2 pages.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, African American mayors
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article discussing the candidacy qualification of 50 Atlanta residents to run for office in the 1981 city elections. The race for mayor was viewed as particularly competitive, with Former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young and state Rep. Sidney Marcus considered the front-runners. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"50 Candidates Pay Their Qualifying Fees For Atlanta City Elections", August 19, 1981
Date Created
1981-08-19
Description
Newspaper article discussing the candidacy qualification of 50 Atlanta residents to run for office in the 1981 city elections. The race for mayor was viewed as particularly competitive, with Former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young and state Rep. Sidney Marcus considered the front-runners. 1 page.
Subject
Political campaigns, African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Speech given at a rally in Richmond, Virginia by Vivian M. Jones regarding the VEP.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Speech From Richmond, Virginia Rally, October 28, 1977
Date Created
1977-10-28
Description
Speech given at a rally in Richmond, Virginia by Vivian M. Jones regarding the VEP.
Subject
Speeches, African American civic leaders, Voting, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Speech delivered to the Hungry Club Forum of Atlanta by Vivian M. Jones regarding the VEP.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Speech Delivered to the Hungry Club Forum, October 19, 1977
Date Created
1977-10-19
Description
Speech delivered to the Hungry Club Forum of Atlanta by Vivian M. Jones regarding the VEP.
Subject
Speeches, African American civic leaders, Voting, Voter registration
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 describing Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson and Voter Education Project (VEP) Director John R. Lewis's plans to run for Congress. Jackson's top political advisor urged him not to run, but Jackson had not made an official decision yet. Lewis also had not made a decision, but he was encouraged by many people to run. State Rep. Mildred Glover was also expected to enter the race. She stated earlier that she did not want to run against Jackson, but she had since changed her mind. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Jackson Adviser Urges He Not Run for House", December 18, 1976
Date Created
1976-12-18
Description
Newspaper article describing Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson and Voter Education Project (VEP) Director John R. Lewis's plans to run for Congress. Jackson's top political advisor urged him not to run, but Jackson had not made an official decision yet. Lewis also had not made a decision, but he was encouraged by many people to run. State Rep. Mildred Glover was also expected to enter the race. She stated earlier that she did not want to run against Jackson, but she had since changed her mind. 1 page.
Subject
Political campaigns, African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, African American mayors
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper op-ed by Vernon E. Jordan, Executive Director of the National Urban League, describing the the ways in which the the Black vote was a decisive factor in the 1976 presidential election. Black voters turned out in record numbers and voted overwhelmingly for Jimmy Carter. This helped Carter win several key states in the South, which ultimately gave him the victory. The high Black turnout was due in part to the efforts of non-partisan black organizations, such as the Joint Center for Political Studies, the Voter Education Project, and the NAACP. These organizations educated Black voters and encouraged them to register and vote. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"The Black Vote Elected Carter", November 20, 1976
Date Created
1976-11-20
Description
Newspaper op-ed by Vernon E. Jordan, Executive Director of the National Urban League, describing the the ways in which the the Black vote was a decisive factor in the 1976 presidential election. Black voters turned out in record numbers and voted overwhelmingly for Jimmy Carter. This helped Carter win several key states in the South, which ultimately gave him the victory. The high Black turnout was due in part to the efforts of non-partisan black organizations, such as the Joint Center for Political Studies, the Voter Education Project, and the NAACP. These organizations educated Black voters and encouraged them to register and vote. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Presidents, Presidents
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
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
Newspaper article regarding John Lewis role as the executive director of the Voter Education Project (VEP), an organization that worked to increase Black and minority voter registration and participation in the South. Lewis was a leading figure in the civil rights movement, and he was one of the speakers at the March on Washington in 1963. He was committed to ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to vote, and he believed that voting was essential to a healthy democracy. 8 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"John Lewis Preaches That Winning the Ballot Isn't Enough. Everybody Needs To Use It", October 31, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-31
Description
Newspaper article regarding John Lewis role as the executive director of the Voter Education Project (VEP), an organization that worked to increase Black and minority voter registration and participation in the South. Lewis was a leading figure in the civil rights movement, and he was one of the speakers at the March on Washington in 1963. He was committed to ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to vote, and he believed that voting was essential to a healthy democracy. 8 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