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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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
Jet article on a possibility of Atlanta electing its first Black mayor, with State Sen. Leroy R. Johnson and other Black politicians considering running for office, but winning the election would require significant white voter support and a successful voter-registration campaign. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"A Black Mayor for Atlanta?", January 23, 1969
Date Created
1969--01-23
Description
Jet article on a possibility of Atlanta electing its first Black mayor, with State Sen. Leroy R. Johnson and other Black politicians considering running for office, but winning the election would require significant white voter support and a successful voter-registration campaign. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
This article discusses the potential candidates for the upcoming mayoral election in Atlanta, highlighting the lack of coalescence behind one or two candidates, and examining the strengths and weaknesses of the various potential candidates, including Rodney Cook, Sam Massell, Milton Farris, Everett Millican, Leroy Johnson, and Charles Weltner. Additionally, the article suggests the possibility of a push for a Negro vice mayor, with potential candidates including Vernon Jordan and Maynard Jackson. 1 page
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"A Candidate for Mayor? Name Your Own", January 17, 1969
Date Created
1969--01-17
Author
Cleghorn, Reese
Description
This article discusses the potential candidates for the upcoming mayoral election in Atlanta, highlighting the lack of coalescence behind one or two candidates, and examining the strengths and weaknesses of the various potential candidates, including Rodney Cook, Sam Massell, Milton Farris, Everett Millican, Leroy Johnson, and Charles Weltner. Additionally, the article suggests the possibility of a push for a Negro vice mayor, with potential candidates including Vernon Jordan and Maynard Jackson. 1 page
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Booklet from the Alabama Board of Registrars reminding citizens that they must be registered to vote and have paid their poll tax in order to vote in the election. The Board offered special registration sessions in January and February, and citizens could also check their local Board of Registrars for additional dates. The Board also reminded citizens that persons over 45 years of age and veterans of wartime service may not have to pay the poll tax. Citizens with questions about the poll tax were directed to contact their judge of probate. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"A Message From Governor George C. Wallace, 1966
Date Created
1966
Description
Booklet from the Alabama Board of Registrars reminding citizens that they must be registered to vote and have paid their poll tax in order to vote in the election. The Board offered special registration sessions in January and February, and citizens could also check their local Board of Registrars for additional dates. The Board also reminded citizens that persons over 45 years of age and veterans of wartime service may not have to pay the poll tax. Citizens with questions about the poll tax were directed to contact their judge of probate. 4 pages.
Subject
Political participation, Political campaigns, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article discussing a Virginia election in which the Democratic organization narrowly beat out the liberal opposition to retain party control in the state. The Democratic Party of Virginia held its state convention in Salem, which was marked by a tense showdown between the Democratic Organization and liberal forces. The Organization retained its hold on the state party chairmanship, with Watkins M. Abbitt being re-elected to a second four-year term. The unit rule, which would have required Virginia's entire 54 votes to be cast in a bloc as the majority decided, was defeated in the convention's Resolutions Committee. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Abbitt Retains Chair; Unit Rule Voted Out", July 28, 1968
Date Created
1968-07-28
Description
Newspaper article discussing a Virginia election in which the Democratic organization narrowly beat out the liberal opposition to retain party control in the state. The Democratic Party of Virginia held its state convention in Salem, which was marked by a tense showdown between the Democratic Organization and liberal forces. The Organization retained its hold on the state party chairmanship, with Watkins M. Abbitt being re-elected to a second four-year term. The unit rule, which would have required Virginia's entire 54 votes to be cast in a bloc as the majority decided, was defeated in the convention's Resolutions Committee. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping referencing two articles, outlined in red. The first article (center) describes a meeting of the Alabama Democratic Conference in which they condemn Governor George Wallace's racism. The other article, entitled "State Political Leaders Meet," references the annual meeting of the Alabama State Coordinating Association for Registration and Voting and a presentation by the Voter Education Project. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Ala. Negro Democrats Hit Wallace in 2-day Session", April 18, 1964
Date Created
1964-04-18
Description
A newspaper clipping referencing two articles, outlined in red. The first article (center) describes a meeting of the Alabama Democratic Conference in which they condemn Governor George Wallace's racism. The other article, entitled "State Political Leaders Meet," references the annual meeting of the Alabama State Coordinating Association for Registration and Voting and a presentation by the Voter Education Project. 2 pages.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political campaigns, Political participation, Race discrimination
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping regarding election day. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Ballot Day in Alabama", May 6, 1964
Date Created
1964-05-06
Description
A newspaper clipping regarding election day. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Political participation, Political campaigns, Political science
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
A newspaper clipping describing candidates in the November elections. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Brief News Alabama", May 17, 1964
Date Created
1964-05-17
Description
A newspaper clipping describing candidates in the November elections. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, Political campaigns, Political science
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A group of women and children hold signs by a street.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Campaigners with Signs, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
A group of women and children hold signs by a street.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, African American children, Political campaigns, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A group of women and children hold signs by a street.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Campaigners with Signs, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
A group of women and children hold signs by a street.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, African American children, Political campaigns, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A group of women and children hold signs by a street.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Campaigners with Signs, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
A group of women and children hold signs by a street.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, African American children, Political campaigns, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Journal entry from Horace T. Ward, a Black candidate who ran for office in Georgia's 39th District. The journal entry details the experience of Ward as he gained local support of various civic engagement organizations and led a successful grassroots campaign. 7 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
[Candidates Journal], 1966
Date Created
1966
Description
Journal entry from Horace T. Ward, a Black candidate who ran for office in Georgia's 39th District. The journal entry details the experience of Ward as he gained local support of various civic engagement organizations and led a successful grassroots campaign. 7 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
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
Newspaper article regarding Jimmy Carter's, a Democratic candidate for President, calls for a voluntary moratorium on the purchase or sale of nuclear fuel enrichment and reprocessing plants. He believed that this would help to curb the spread of nuclear weapons. Carter took a number of other positions on the issues, including employment, inflation, monetary policy, tax reform, industry regulation, and energy. He generally tried to take positions that appealed to both sides of a controversy. Some people criticized Carter for not taking more bold positions on the issues. However, his supporters argued that he was simply trying to be pragmatic and to appeal to the widest possible range of voters. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Carter Gives Plan For Nuclear Curb," May 13, 1976 NO RADAR INCOMPLETE
Date Created
1976-05-13
Description
Newspaper article regarding Jimmy Carter's, a Democratic candidate for President, calls for a voluntary moratorium on the purchase or sale of nuclear fuel enrichment and reprocessing plants. He believed that this would help to curb the spread of nuclear weapons. Carter took a number of other positions on the issues, including employment, inflation, monetary policy, tax reform, industry regulation, and energy. He generally tried to take positions that appealed to both sides of a controversy. Some people criticized Carter for not taking more bold positions on the issues. However, his supporters argued that he was simply trying to be pragmatic and to appeal to the widest possible range of voters. 2 pages.
Subject
International relations, Political campaigns, Presidents, Human rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Carter: Shirley, She's the Woman for President" article detailing Ms. Chisholm's bid for the White House in The Sunday News. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Carter: Shirley, She's the Woman for President" Article, August 22, 1971
Date Created
1971-08-22
Description
"Carter: Shirley, She's the Woman for President" article detailing Ms. Chisholm's bid for the White House in The Sunday News. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women's suffrage, Women's rights, African Americans--Politics and government, African American women, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence from Thomas Moss, director of South Carolina's Voter Education Project, to Marvin Wall, VEP's Director of Research, with the campaign cards of three Black candidates running for city council in Denmark, South Carolina. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
City Council Campaign Cards for Black Candidates In Denmark, South Carolina, February 5, 1969
Date Created
1969-02-05
Description
Correspondence from Thomas Moss, director of South Carolina's Voter Education Project, to Marvin Wall, VEP's Director of Research, with the campaign cards of three Black candidates running for city council in Denmark, South Carolina. 4 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article regarding the election of the Black chairman William W. Bennett to the City Democrats Party in South Carolina during an organizational meeting which also set election primary dates and candidate filing fees for the upcoming May 6 Municipal Election. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"City Democrats Elect First Negro Chairman", March 14, 1969
Date Created
1969-03-14
Description
Newspaper article regarding the election of the Black chairman William W. Bennett to the City Democrats Party in South Carolina during an organizational meeting which also set election primary dates and candidate filing fees for the upcoming May 6 Municipal Election. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping of an article describing a move by the Georgia General Assembly to weaken a law which limited corporate influence on state government. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Corporate Influence Law is Weakened", October 27, 1969
Date Created
1969-10-27
Description
A newspaper clipping of an article describing a move by the Georgia General Assembly to weaken a law which limited corporate influence on state government. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Political science, Political participation, Political campaigns
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records