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 Americans--Civil rights
  • Subjects = African American civic leaders
Andrew Young, a prominent civil rights activist and former United Nations ambassador, failed to become Georgia's first Black governor in a run-off election, despite efforts to build a multiracial coalition and attract businesses to the state. The article highlights the challenges faced by Black candidates in the South, including a lack of support from White voters and an inability to mobilize enough Black voters to win statewide races. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Young Lost for Many Reasons", 1990
Date Created
1990
Description
Andrew Young, a prominent civil rights activist and former United Nations ambassador, failed to become Georgia's first Black governor in a run-off election, despite efforts to build a multiracial coalition and attract businesses to the state. The article highlights the challenges faced by Black candidates in the South, including a lack of support from White voters and an inability to mobilize enough Black voters to win statewide races. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African American civil rights worker, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Voting, African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights
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
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
Press release from the Voter Education Project announcing Harold Sims successful election as VEP's President in 1986, with Geraldine Thompson being re-elected as Executive Director. A new thrust for VEP was adopted, placing equal emphasis on voter education and voter registration. The new thrust also placed the bulk of the organization's funds raised for voter registration in the hands of local groups performing voter registration work. This new direction for VEP reflected the organization's commitment to increasing voter participation and ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to vote. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, January 22, 1986
Date Created
1986-01-22
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project announcing Harold Sims successful election as VEP's President in 1986, with Geraldine Thompson being re-elected as Executive Director. A new thrust for VEP was adopted, placing equal emphasis on voter education and voter registration. The new thrust also placed the bulk of the organization's funds raised for voter registration in the hands of local groups performing voter registration work. This new direction for VEP reflected the organization's commitment to increasing voter participation and ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to vote. 2 pages.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, African American leadership, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release from the Voter Education Project announcing Geraldine G. Thompson's resignation as the Executive Director of the Voter Education Project due to personal reasons. Thompson worked tirelessly to advance the cause of voting rights for African Americans, and her resignation was seen as a loss to the organization. However, VEP was committed to continuing its work, and a search committee was appointed to find Thompson's successor. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, April 30, 1985
Date Created
1985-04-30
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project announcing Geraldine G. Thompson's resignation as the Executive Director of the Voter Education Project due to personal reasons. Thompson worked tirelessly to advance the cause of voting rights for African Americans, and her resignation was seen as a loss to the organization. However, VEP was committed to continuing its work, and a search committee was appointed to find Thompson's successor. 2 pages.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, African American leadership, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
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
"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
Newspaper article discussing the return of about 500 Black students in McIntosh County, Georgia to public schools following a four-week boycott. The boycott was in response to the expulsion of two Black high school students who allegedly attacked a white teacher. The boycott ended pending a decision from a federal judge on whether the two students should be reinstated. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"McIntosh Blacks End Boycott Over Students' Expulsion", February 1982
Date Created
1982-02
Description
Newspaper article discussing the return of about 500 Black students in McIntosh County, Georgia to public schools following a four-week boycott. The boycott was in response to the expulsion of two Black high school students who allegedly attacked a white teacher. The boycott ended pending a decision from a federal judge on whether the two students should be reinstated. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Protest movements, African Americans--Education
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release on the VEP announcing the list of speakers and discussion leaders for VEP's Contemporary Voting Rights Conference, which will focus on the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization, redistricting, and reapportionment, featuring Julian Bond, Leslie Burl McLemore, Robert Walker, Gerald Jones, Victor McTeer, Frank Parker, Laughlin McDonald, and Henry Kirksey, among others. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Announcement of Speakers for the VEP's Contemporary Voting Rights Conference", September 29, 1981
Date Created
1981-09-29
Description
Press release on the VEP announcing the list of speakers and discussion leaders for VEP's Contemporary Voting Rights Conference, which will focus on the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization, redistricting, and reapportionment, featuring Julian Bond, Leslie Burl McLemore, Robert Walker, Gerald Jones, Victor McTeer, Frank Parker, Laughlin McDonald, and Henry Kirksey, among others. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers
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 on a coalition of civil rights organizations was joined by Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson in announcing support for the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, which would extend the Act through 1992 and provide a new way for jurisdictions covered by the Act to "bail-out" if they can prove they have not had discriminatory voting practices for the ten years before the bail-out suit. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Mayor Maynard Jackson Joins Civil Rights Orgs in Campaign To Extend Voting Rights Act", September 17, 1981
Date Created
1981-09-17
Description
Press release on a coalition of civil rights organizations was joined by Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson in announcing support for the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, which would extend the Act through 1992 and provide a new way for jurisdictions covered by the Act to "bail-out" if they can prove they have not had discriminatory voting practices for the ten years before the bail-out suit. 2 pages.
Subject
African American mayors, African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights, African American women, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers
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
Executive Committee meeting agenda for the Voter Education Project that includes a progress report from Executive Director Geraldine Thompson, a statement of revenues and operating expenses, a list of trustees, and bylaws governing the activities of the Board of Directors. 20 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Executive Committee Meeting Agenda, September 9, 1981
Date Created
1981-09-09
Description
Executive Committee meeting agenda for the Voter Education Project that includes a progress report from Executive Director Geraldine Thompson, a statement of revenues and operating expenses, a list of trustees, and bylaws governing the activities of the Board of Directors. 20 pages.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Meetings, African American leadership
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release on a rally planned by a coalition consisting of the VEP, NAACP, SCLC, and GABEO in support of the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, which will feature prominent civil rights activists and political figures, including Congressman Walter Fauntroy, and highlights the importance of minority political participation in the political process. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voting Rights Act Rally at Piedmont Park", August 28, 1981
Date Created
1981-08-28
Description
Press release on a rally planned by a coalition consisting of the VEP, NAACP, SCLC, and GABEO in support of the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, which will feature prominent civil rights activists and political figures, including Congressman Walter Fauntroy, and highlights the importance of minority political participation in the political process. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights, African American women, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers
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
Press release on Mrs. Geraldine G. Thompson, executive director of the VEP, testified before the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights of the House Judiciary Committee, calling the Voting Rights Act "the most effective civil rights legislation ever passed" and stating that the key provisions of the Act should be extended if minorities are to achieve full equality in the political system. 5 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Thompson Speaks on Voting Rights Act", June 23, 1981
Date Created
1981-06-23
Description
Press release on Mrs. Geraldine G. Thompson, executive director of the VEP, testified before the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights of the House Judiciary Committee, calling the Voting Rights Act "the most effective civil rights legislation ever passed" and stating that the key provisions of the Act should be extended if minorities are to achieve full equality in the political system. 5 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights, African American women, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release on Geraldine G. Thompson being appointed as the Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, Inc. 6 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Appointment of Geraldine Thompson As the Executive Director of VEP", June 19, 1981
Date Created
1981-06-19
Description
Press release on Geraldine G. Thompson being appointed as the Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, Inc. 6 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights, African American women, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article on the U.S. Justice Department's informing of Atlanta officials that it had no record of ever having approved the city's two-term limitation for mayor, meaning that the city would likely have to resubmit their charter for approval and that the two-term limit would possibly not be legally enforceable. Mayor Maynard Jackson had previously stated that he would not seek a third term, but this ruling offered the potential to reopen the debate. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Term Limit For Mayor Lacking Feds' OK", March 20, 1981
Date Created
1981-03-20
Description
Newspaper article on the U.S. Justice Department's informing of Atlanta officials that it had no record of ever having approved the city's two-term limitation for mayor, meaning that the city would likely have to resubmit their charter for approval and that the two-term limit would possibly not be legally enforceable. Mayor Maynard Jackson had previously stated that he would not seek a third term, but this ruling offered the potential to reopen the debate. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, African American mayors, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
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