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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Agenda Strategic Conference on "Removing Administrative Obstacles to Voting" which includes location, schedule, and description of events. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Agenda Strategic Conference on "Removing Administrative Obstacles to Voting", April 17, 1972
Date Created
1972-04-17
Description
Agenda Strategic Conference on "Removing Administrative Obstacles to Voting" which includes location, schedule, and description of events. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, Women--Societies and clubs, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article the ways in which the Virginia Democratic gubernatorial runoff produced a political metamorphosis with potentially far-reaching implications. The old Byrd Organization declined, and new forces came to the fore. Henry E. Howell and William C. Battle represented a new thrust in state politics and a gradual closing of the gap between the Virginia Democratic Party and the National Democratic Party. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Battle-Howell Duel Changes State Politics", August 14, 1969
Date Created
1969-08-14
Description
Newspaper article the ways in which the Virginia Democratic gubernatorial runoff produced a political metamorphosis with potentially far-reaching implications. The old Byrd Organization declined, and new forces came to the fore. Henry E. Howell and William C. Battle represented a new thrust in state politics and a gradual closing of the gap between the Virginia Democratic Party and the National Democratic Party. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, Political campaigns, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article on the Black community grappling with the potential benefits and risks of Jesse L. Jackson's candidacy for President of the United States. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black Leaders Agonize as Jesse Jackson Ponders Bid", September 11, 1983
Date Created
1983-09-11
Description
Article on the Black community grappling with the potential benefits and risks of Jesse L. Jackson's candidacy for President of the United States. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article recording remarks made during a Congressional session held on September 16, 1976 regarding Black voter participation. The speaker, "Mr. Glenn", noted the obstacles to Black voter participation in the United States, particularly in the South. Glenn cited examples of voter intimidation, discrimination, and harassment, and argued that these practices were still prevalent despite the passage of the Voting Rights Act. The author also highlighted the work of the Voter Education Project (VEP), in its work to register and mobilize Black voters. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black Voter Participation," September 16, 1976
Date Created
1976-09-16
Description
Newspaper article recording remarks made during a Congressional session held on September 16, 1976 regarding Black voter participation. The speaker, "Mr. Glenn", noted the obstacles to Black voter participation in the United States, particularly in the South. Glenn cited examples of voter intimidation, discrimination, and harassment, and argued that these practices were still prevalent despite the passage of the Voting Rights Act. The author also highlighted the work of the Voter Education Project (VEP), in its work to register and mobilize Black voters. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
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
Newsletter discussing foreign debt of Latin America reaching staggering levels, with Bolivia being no exception. The country's debt of $4 billion had a significant impact on its people, particularly the poor. Money that could be used for healthcare, education, and other social services was instead used to service the debt. This led to a decline in the quality of life for many Bolivians, especially children. New policies and approaches to the debt crisis were needed to improve the lives of people in Bolivia and other Latin American countries. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Bolivia's External Debt: In Need of a New Bottom Line", October 1989
Date Created
1989-10
Description
Newsletter discussing foreign debt of Latin America reaching staggering levels, with Bolivia being no exception. The country's debt of $4 billion had a significant impact on its people, particularly the poor. Money that could be used for healthcare, education, and other social services was instead used to service the debt. This led to a decline in the quality of life for many Bolivians, especially children. New policies and approaches to the debt crisis were needed to improve the lives of people in Bolivia and other Latin American countries. 2 pages.
Subject
Poverty, International relations, Human rights, Religious broadcasting
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article regarding Jimmy Carter's criticism of President Ford for being "timid, fearful and afraid to lead". He accused Ford of neglecting to mention his leadership record as President and of failing to address important issues such as trust, embarrassment, and shame. Carter also criticized the government's handling of the Medicaid program, which he said lost $4 billion a year through fraud, deficient patient care, maladministration, and the issuance of benefits to ineligible persons. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Carter Attacks Ford's Ability to Lead", August 31, 1976
Date Created
1976-08-31
Description
Newspaper article regarding Jimmy Carter's criticism of President Ford for being "timid, fearful and afraid to lead". He accused Ford of neglecting to mention his leadership record as President and of failing to address important issues such as trust, embarrassment, and shame. Carter also criticized the government's handling of the Medicaid program, which he said lost $4 billion a year through fraud, deficient patient care, maladministration, and the issuance of benefits to ineligible persons. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, Voter registration, Political campaigns, Presidents
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Civil rights digest of issues featuring an article written by Vernon E. Jordan Jr. regarding the significant progress made by the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in increasing Black voter registration in the South. However, the article emphasizes that there was still much work that remained to be done. Only 62% of voting-age Blacks were registered to vote in the South, compared to 78% of whites. The article primarily discusses the need for full enforcement of the Voting Rights Act through stringent means and the preference that Black people had for going before federal examiners rather than local registrars. 60 pages
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Civil Rights Digest, "Black Vote in Danger", Spring 1969
Date Created
1969
Description
Civil rights digest of issues featuring an article written by Vernon E. Jordan Jr. regarding the significant progress made by the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in increasing Black voter registration in the South. However, the article emphasizes that there was still much work that remained to be done. Only 62% of voting-age Blacks were registered to vote in the South, compared to 78% of whites. The article primarily discusses the need for full enforcement of the Voting Rights Act through stringent means and the preference that Black people had for going before federal examiners rather than local registrars. 60 pages
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Charlene Haykel and Members of the Election Systems Project Program Committee with invitation to the convention and reports of the committee meeting and "Hypothetical Case: Rural County". 5 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Charlene Haykel and Members of the Election Systems Project Program Committee, July 19,
Date Created
1972-07-19
Description
Correspondence Between Charlene Haykel and Members of the Election Systems Project Program Committee with invitation to the convention and reports of the committee meeting and "Hypothetical Case: Rural County". 5 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Women--Societies and clubs
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence between Mrs. Keller Bumgardner, Election Systems Project and Election Systems Project Conference Participants about election conference in Columbia, South Carolina with details of the conference. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Election Systems Project and Election Systems Project Conference Participants, Septembe
Date Created
1973-09-11
Description
Correspondence between Mrs. Keller Bumgardner, Election Systems Project and Election Systems Project Conference Participants about election conference in Columbia, South Carolina with details of the conference. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence between Fay Williams and Members of the Election Systems Project Program Committee with enclosed draft of the Report of the League of Women Voters Education Fund. 22 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Fay Williams and Members of the Election Systems Project Program Committee, March 15, 1
Date Created
1972-03-15
Description
Correspondence between Fay Williams and Members of the Election Systems Project Program Committee with enclosed draft of the Report of the League of Women Voters Education Fund. 22 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Women--Societies and clubs
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence between Frankie M. Freeman and Vernon Jordan confirming Jordan's participation as a panelist at a forum on Black Power at the ballot box. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Frankie M. Freeman and Vernon Jordan, May 4, 1968
Date Created
1968-05-04
Description
Correspondence between Frankie M. Freeman and Vernon Jordan confirming Jordan's participation as a panelist at a forum on Black Power at the ballot box. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, African Americans--Politics and government, Voter registration, African American women, Women--Societies and clubs, Greek letter societies
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Keller Bumgardner and Conference Participants, "Making Election Process Work Conference" in Columbia, South Carolina memorandum summarizing the conference recommendations. 5 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Keller Bumgardner and Conference Participants, October 18, 1973
Date Created
1973-10-18
Description
Correspondence Between Keller Bumgardner and Conference Participants, "Making Election Process Work Conference" in Columbia, South Carolina memorandum summarizing the conference recommendations. 5 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Women--Societies and clubs
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence between Miss Susan Clarke and Rev. John B. Morris discussing enclosed press clippings. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Miss Susan Clarke and Rev. John B. Morris, January 16, 1969
Date Created
1969-01-16
Description
Correspondence between Miss Susan Clarke and Rev. John B. Morris discussing enclosed press clippings. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, Women--Societies and clubs
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence between Thaddeus Olive, Jr. and Miss Lynette Taylor, Executive Director of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. with Oliver submitting enclosed list as requested. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Thaddeus Olive, Jr. and Miss Lynette Taylor, May 30, 1968
Date Created
1968-05-30
Description
Correspondence between Thaddeus Olive, Jr. and Miss Lynette Taylor, Executive Director of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. with Oliver submitting enclosed list as requested. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, African Americans--Politics and government, African American women, Women--Societies and clubs, Greek letter societies
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence between Vernon Jordan and Billie Pfiffner which includes a handwritten note and copy of letter from the National Conference on the Draft describing their upcoming conference. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Vernon and Billie, March 21, 1967
Date Created
1967-03-21
Description
Correspondence between Vernon Jordan and Billie Pfiffner which includes a handwritten note and copy of letter from the National Conference on the Draft describing their upcoming conference. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, Vietnam War (1961-1975)
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence between Vernon E. Jordan and Mrs. Lynnette Taylor, Frankie Freeman, and Bernice Turner concerning a Voter Education Project and Delta Sigma Theta collaboration. 12 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Vernon E. Jordan and Mrs. Lynnette Taylor, 1969
Date Created
1969
Description
Correspondence between Vernon E. Jordan and Mrs. Lynnette Taylor, Frankie Freeman, and Bernice Turner concerning a Voter Education Project and Delta Sigma Theta collaboration. 12 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, African Americans--Politics and government, African American women, Women--Societies and clubs, Voter registration, Greek letter societies
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence between Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. and Miss Lynette Taylor thanking Mr. Jordan for participating in the National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. and Miss Lynette Taylor, August 25, 1967
Date Created
1967-08-25
Description
Correspondence between Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. and Miss Lynette Taylor thanking Mr. Jordan for participating in the National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, African Americans--Politics and government, African American women, Women--Societies and clubs, Greek letter societies
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence between Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. and Miss Lynette Taylor with an enclosed list of resource people with public and private information to be used in your Regional Seminar. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. and Miss Lynette Taylor, May 16, 1968
Date Created
1968-05-16
Description
Correspondence between Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. and Miss Lynette Taylor with an enclosed list of resource people with public and private information to be used in your Regional Seminar. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, African Americans--Politics and government, African American women, Women--Societies and clubs, Voter registration, Greek letter societies
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence between Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. and Miss Lynette Taylor sharing information about Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.'s Social Action Program. 6 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence Between Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. and Miss Lynette Taylor, May 8, 1968
Date Created
1968-05-08
Description
Correspondence between Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. and Miss Lynette Taylor sharing information about Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.'s Social Action Program. 6 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, African Americans--Politics and government, African American women, Women--Societies and clubs, Greek letter societies
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records