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 = Political participation
A newspaper clipping containing multiple articles. Of interest are two articles, "100 Voters Registered in Drive Last Week" and "48 Voters Added in Registration Drive" which both detail voter registration initiatives. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"100 Voters Registered in Drive Last Week", July 14, 1962
Date Created
1962-07-14
Description
A newspaper clipping containing multiple articles. Of interest are two articles, "100 Voters Registered in Drive Last Week" and "48 Voters Added in Registration Drive" which both detail voter registration initiatives. 2 pages.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article discussing the Southern Regional Council's launching of a major voter registration campaign aimed at the two million unregistered African Americans in 11 Southern states. The SRC's program was to be carried out in cooperation with the NAACP, SCLC, SNCC, CORE, and the National Urban League. The goal of the campaign was to register more African Americans to vote and to help them participate in the political process. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"2 Million Negro Voters Are Sought", February 18, 1966
Date Created
1966-02-18
Description
Newspaper article discussing the Southern Regional Council's launching of a major voter registration campaign aimed at the two million unregistered African Americans in 11 Southern states. The SRC's program was to be carried out in cooperation with the NAACP, SCLC, SNCC, CORE, and the National Urban League. The goal of the campaign was to register more African Americans to vote and to help them participate in the political process. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping referencing Vernon Jordan and Ben Brown's possible run for Congress. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"2 Negroes Sticking to Congress Plans", December 12, 1969
Date Created
1969-12-12
Description
A newspaper clipping referencing Vernon Jordan and Ben Brown's possible run for Congress. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Voter registration, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing the number of Black candidates seeking political office in the South. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"250 Negroes Seek Offices in South", circa 1968
Date Created
1963/1973
Description
A newspaper clipping describing the number of Black candidates seeking political office in the South. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Voting
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A study conducted by the Voter Education Project revealed that 95 percent of Black registered voters in the South who turned out for the November 4th election voted for Jimmy Carter, with percentages ranging from 92 percent to 97 percent, while President-elect Reagan was estimated to have won only 2 to 6 percent of the total Black votes cast. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"95 Percent of Black Registered Voters Voted for Jimmy Carter", December 12, 1980
Date Created
1980-12-12
Description
A study conducted by the Voter Education Project revealed that 95 percent of Black registered voters in the South who turned out for the November 4th election voted for Jimmy Carter, with percentages ranging from 92 percent to 97 percent, while President-elect Reagan was estimated to have won only 2 to 6 percent of the total Black votes cast. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
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
A newspaper clipping discussing possible Black candidates for Mayor of Atlanta. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"A Negro as Mayor Here in 6 Years?", November 13, 1967
Date Created
1967-11-13
Description
A newspaper clipping discussing possible Black candidates for Mayor of Atlanta. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, African Americans--Civil rights, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A magazine article discussing the challenges faced by liberalism amid social change movements. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"A New Chance for Liberals", May 1970
Date Created
1970-05
Description
A magazine article discussing the challenges faced by liberalism amid social change movements. 3 pages.
Subject
Race relations, Race discrimination, Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing the need to elect Black leaders to local public offices. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"A New Job for The Establishment", circa 1969
Date Created
1964/1974
Description
A newspaper clipping describing the need to elect Black leaders to local public offices. 1 page.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A short history and activities conducted by the VEP. 9 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"A Statement on the Voter Education Project of the Southern Regional Council, Inc.", June 14, 1969
Date Created
1969-06-14
Description
A short history and activities conducted by the VEP. 9 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civil rights workers, Voter registration, Voting, African Americans--Civil rights, Political participation
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 regarding a Democratic primary election in Mobile, Alabama. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Activity Becomes More Intensive As Election Date Approaches", April 4, 1964
Date Created
1964-04-04
Description
A newspaper clipping regarding a Democratic primary election in Mobile, Alabama. 1 page.
Subject
Voting, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A copy of a speech given by Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach at the Emancipation Day Ceremonies discussing civil rights, discrimination, and civic participation. 8 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Address by Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach, January 2, 1966
Date Created
1966-01-02
Description
A copy of a speech given by Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach at the Emancipation Day Ceremonies discussing civil rights, discrimination, and civic participation. 8 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, Race discrimination, African Americans--Civil rights
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
Articles and photos from "Speakin' Out News" on the Alabama Democratic Conference. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Alabama Democratic Conference Semi-Annual Convention Held in Tuscaloosa, Alabama" March 24-April 13, 1982
Date Created
1982-03
Description
Articles and photos from "Speakin' Out News" on the Alabama Democratic Conference. 2 pages.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, African Americans--Civil rights, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping quoting U.S. Assistant Attorney General Burke Marshall and discussing the enactment of civil rights legislation. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Alabama in Sad Shape, Marshall", May 15, 1964
Date Created
1964-05-15
Description
A newspaper clipping quoting U.S. Assistant Attorney General Burke Marshall and discussing the enactment of civil rights legislation. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Calendar of important election registration dates, organized by month, in Alabama. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Alabama Voting Registrars Calendar, June 27, 1962
Date Created
1962-06-27
Description
Calendar of important election registration dates, organized by month, in Alabama. 2 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing the rejection of an Alabama state constitutional amendment. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Alabamans Defeat Vote Amendments", December 12, 1963
Date Created
1963-12-12
Description
A newspaper clipping describing the rejection of an Alabama state constitutional amendment. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records