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 = Civil rights movements
Newsletter discussing the religious community's analysis of two housing bills, the "National Affordable Housing Act" (S 565) Senate bill which requested a moderate increase in federal housing expenditures to create new programs and the "Housing and Community Development Act" (HR 1180) House bill which proposed a substantial increase in spending on programs that are much like current housing programs. This analysis included the discussion of affordable housing options and statements regarding the necessity of accessible housing options in the United States. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Religious Community Analyzes Two Housing Bills," October 1989
Date Created
1989-10
Description
Newsletter discussing the religious community's analysis of two housing bills, the "National Affordable Housing Act" (S 565) Senate bill which requested a moderate increase in federal housing expenditures to create new programs and the "Housing and Community Development Act" (HR 1180) House bill which proposed a substantial increase in spending on programs that are much like current housing programs. This analysis included the discussion of affordable housing options and statements regarding the necessity of accessible housing options in the United States. 2 pages.
Subject
Civil rights movements, Political participation, Human rights, Religious broadcasting
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newsletter discussing the religious community's response to a mining labor strike in Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky, after Pittson Coal Company miners worked 14 months without a contract and the company withdrew from the Bituminous Coal Operators Association, a multi-employer bargaining group which negotiated contracts covering mining employees who were members of the UMWA. The newsletter included an interfaith statement of support calling for reconciliation and resolution between the parties. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Religious Community Responds to Mine Workers' Strike", October 1989
Date Created
1989-10
Description
Newsletter discussing the religious community's response to a mining labor strike in Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky, after Pittson Coal Company miners worked 14 months without a contract and the company withdrew from the Bituminous Coal Operators Association, a multi-employer bargaining group which negotiated contracts covering mining employees who were members of the UMWA. The newsletter included an interfaith statement of support calling for reconciliation and resolution between the parties. 2 pages.
Subject
Civil rights movements, Political participation, Human rights, Religious broadcasting, Labor
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 a creative poster project among middle and high school students in the Atlanta school system. The theme of the project was "Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Future." The two winners of the competition were to receive an award and a cash prize of $50.00, and all participants received a certificate recognizing their talents and participation. The event was intended to impress upon students the importance of voting and citizenship responsibility, and to allow them an opportunity to express their thoughts on voting and government through poster art. The poster project was part of VEP's Twentieth Anniversary Celebration. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, October 1981
Date Created
1981-10
Description
Press release from the Voter Education Project announcing a creative poster project among middle and high school students in the Atlanta school system. The theme of the project was "Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Future." The two winners of the competition were to receive an award and a cash prize of $50.00, and all participants received a certificate recognizing their talents and participation. The event was intended to impress upon students the importance of voting and citizenship responsibility, and to allow them an opportunity to express their thoughts on voting and government through poster art. The poster project was part of VEP's Twentieth Anniversary Celebration. 1 page.
Subject
Children, Civil rights movements, African American arts
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
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 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
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 article regarding the Fort Bend County Voter Education Project continuation of its door-to-door voter registration drive and its addition of several new substations where citizens could also register to vote. The drive was very successful, and the deadline to register to vote in the Presidential election was October 3. Volunteers were asked to meet at the Project's office to help with the registration drive. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voter Drive Continues Throughout Fort Bend", September 8, 1976
Date Created
1976-09-08
Description
Newspaper article regarding the Fort Bend County Voter Education Project continuation of its door-to-door voter registration drive and its addition of several new substations where citizens could also register to vote. The drive was very successful, and the deadline to register to vote in the Presidential election was October 3. Volunteers were asked to meet at the Project's office to help with the registration drive. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records