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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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 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
List of administrative and legal barriers to minority political participation, which was included in the VEP's "Election Notebook." In the past, minorities in the Southern states faced a number of barriers to registering to vote and voting, including purges and reregistration, discriminatory location of polling places, intimidation and exclusion of minority poll workers, and legal barriers such as at-large voting requirements and malapportioned election districts. These barriers made it difficult for minorities to participate in the political process and undermined their right to vote. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Administrative and Legal Barriers to Minority Political Participation, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
List of administrative and legal barriers to minority political participation, which was included in the VEP's "Election Notebook." In the past, minorities in the Southern states faced a number of barriers to registering to vote and voting, including purges and reregistration, discriminatory location of polling places, intimidation and exclusion of minority poll workers, and legal barriers such as at-large voting requirements and malapportioned election districts. These barriers made it difficult for minorities to participate in the political process and undermined their right to vote. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Race discrimination, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing a meeting of the Afro-Exonian Society to "exchange notes and viewpoints about certain topics, primarily the racial situation." 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"AES, Vietnam Symposium Held Over Weekend", May 22, 1968
Date Created
1968-05-22
Description
A newspaper clipping describing a meeting of the Afro-Exonian Society to "exchange notes and viewpoints about certain topics, primarily the racial situation." 2 pages.
Subject
Race relations, Race discrimination, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing barriers to voter registration in Wilcox County, Alabama. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Again, Wilcox County, Alabama", April 11, 1964
Date Created
1964-04-11
Description
A newspaper clipping describing barriers to voter registration in Wilcox County, Alabama. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, 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
Article on how the Voter Education Project plans to file a lawsuit against Pulaski County seeking to abolish the one-member county commission in 24 Georgia counties, arguing that they are unconstitutional and discriminate against minorities. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Anderson Says VEP Lawsuit Has Little Support in Pulaski", December 21, 1983
Date Created
1983-12-21
Description
Article on how the Voter Education Project plans to file a lawsuit against Pulaski County seeking to abolish the one-member county commission in 24 Georgia counties, arguing that they are unconstitutional and discriminate against minorities. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights, Race discrimination, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A paper written by Sterling Tucker and Wiley A. Branton identifying obstacles to voter participation including race, poverty, and electoral impingements. 7 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Background Paper Voting and Citizenship Participation", circa 1965
Date Created
1960/1970
Creator
Tucker, Sterling, Branton, Wiley A.
Description
A paper written by Sterling Tucker and Wiley A. Branton identifying obstacles to voter participation including race, poverty, and electoral impingements. 7 pages.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, Race discrimination, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP report on how historically, Blacks and other minorities have faced barriers in their attempts to participate effectively in the electoral process, including voter registration, voting, and candidacy, due to lack of interest and affirmative attempts by officials, inconvenient registration practices, inadequate information, physical and economic intimidation, discriminatory regulations and enforcement, and other forms of intimidation. 10 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Barriers to Effective Participation in Electoral Politics" by Richard A. Hudlin and K. Farouk Brimah, March 1
Date Created
1981-03
Description
VEP report on how historically, Blacks and other minorities have faced barriers in their attempts to participate effectively in the electoral process, including voter registration, voting, and candidacy, due to lack of interest and affirmative attempts by officials, inconvenient registration practices, inadequate information, physical and economic intimidation, discriminatory regulations and enforcement, and other forms of intimidation. 10 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Voting, Race discrimination
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
This report discusses the historical barriers faced by Blacks and other minorities in their attempts to participate effectively in electoral processes, including registration, voting, candidacy, physical and economic intimidation, fair and effective representation, and the impact of the Voting Rights Act. It outlines specific obstacles within each of these areas, including a lack of interest or affirmative action by officials to encourage minority participation, inconvenient locations or times for registration and voting, inadequate minority personnel, insufficient information about policies and procedures, restrictions on third party or independent candidates, and physical and economic intimidation. 10 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Barriers to Effective Participation in Electoral Politics", VEP Report, 1981
Date Created
1981
Description
This report discusses the historical barriers faced by Blacks and other minorities in their attempts to participate effectively in electoral processes, including registration, voting, candidacy, physical and economic intimidation, fair and effective representation, and the impact of the Voting Rights Act. It outlines specific obstacles within each of these areas, including a lack of interest or affirmative action by officials to encourage minority participation, inconvenient locations or times for registration and voting, inadequate minority personnel, insufficient information about policies and procedures, restrictions on third party or independent candidates, and physical and economic intimidation. 10 pages.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, Political participation, Race discrimination, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Report on the VEP being dedicated to promoting participatory democracy among minorities in the southern states, where historical discrimination has excluded Blacks and Chicanos from government processes, and seeks to increase minority political participation through various means such as voter registration, advocacy, research, and public support, despite facing challenges from those in power who view it as a threat to the status quo, and aims to eliminate barriers to minority political power through persistent organizing efforts and financial resources, with the ultimate goal of achieving unrestricted minority political participation for the benefit of future generations. 22 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Barriers to Minority Political Progress in the South" by Archie E. Allen, circa 1981
Date Created
1978/1984
Description
Report on the VEP being dedicated to promoting participatory democracy among minorities in the southern states, where historical discrimination has excluded Blacks and Chicanos from government processes, and seeks to increase minority political participation through various means such as voter registration, advocacy, research, and public support, despite facing challenges from those in power who view it as a threat to the status quo, and aims to eliminate barriers to minority political power through persistent organizing efforts and financial resources, with the ultimate goal of achieving unrestricted minority political participation for the benefit of future generations. 22 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, Voting, Race discrimination
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Correspondence from Philip B. Schaeffer to Vernon Jordan referencing an attached magazine article which discusses the state of education, employment, and housing for African Americans. 19 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black in White America: The Negro Today", November 19, 1967
Date Created
1967-11-19
Description
Correspondence from Philip B. Schaeffer to Vernon Jordan referencing an attached magazine article which discusses the state of education, employment, and housing for African Americans. 19 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Employment, African Americans--Education, African Americans--Housing, Race discrimination
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Audio recording a panel discussion on the development of Black involvement and participation in U.S. politics in the 20th century. The speakers discuss the circumstances that have helped secure Black elected officials' victories, focusing particularly on the election of Harold Washington as mayor of Chicago.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Black Involvement in Politics, April 29, 1983
Date Created
1983-04-29
Description
Audio recording a panel discussion on the development of Black involvement and participation in U.S. politics in the 20th century. The speakers discuss the circumstances that have helped secure Black elected officials' victories, focusing particularly on the election of Harold Washington as mayor of Chicago.
Subject
Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, Race discrimination, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article regarding the Neighborhood Voters League accusations that the City of College Park was "dragging its feet" in the filing of a new ward redistricting plan to the Justice Department. The city was ordered to redraw voting wards and hold new city elections as soon as possible in 1977 by a federal court ruling in December. The Neighborhood Voters League was concerned that the city was not submitting the plan in time for an election to be held in 1977. They were also concerned that the plan would not adequately represent apartment residents. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Blacks Accuse College Park of Delaying Ward Plan Filing", April 28, 1977
Date Created
1977-04-28
Description
Newspaper article regarding the Neighborhood Voters League accusations that the City of College Park was "dragging its feet" in the filing of a new ward redistricting plan to the Justice Department. The city was ordered to redraw voting wards and hold new city elections as soon as possible in 1977 by a federal court ruling in December. The Neighborhood Voters League was concerned that the city was not submitting the plan in time for an election to be held in 1977. They were also concerned that the plan would not adequately represent apartment residents. 1 page.
Subject
African American leadership, City planning, Race discrimination, Gerrymandering, African Americans--Civil rights, African American neighborhoods, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A study conducted by the Voter Education Project reveals that Black businesses in Mississippi receive a minimal share of the state's business, and the state has not taken significant steps to provide direct commercial market opportunities or technical assistance for minority-owned firms. 2 Pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Blacks Not Getting Fair Share of Mississippi's State Business", 1981
Date Created
1981
Description
A study conducted by the Voter Education Project reveals that Black businesses in Mississippi receive a minimal share of the state's business, and the state has not taken significant steps to provide direct commercial market opportunities or technical assistance for minority-owned firms. 2 Pages.
Subject
Race discrimination, African American businesspeople, African Americans--Employment
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A collection of newspaper clippings about Julian Bond describing his attendance at a rally for Iowa State Representative A. June Franklin. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Bond Doubts Racial Gains Under Nixon", December 2, 1968
Date Created
1968-12-02
Description
A collection of newspaper clippings about Julian Bond describing his attendance at a rally for Iowa State Representative A. June Franklin. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, Political participation, Race discrimination, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing Maryland Senator Daniel Brewster's plans to meet with Black integrationist leaders. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Brewster Aiming at Wallace Vote", March 24, 1964
Date Created
1964-03-24
Description
A newspaper clipping describing Maryland Senator Daniel Brewster's plans to meet with Black integrationist leaders. 1 page.
Subject
Race discrimination, Political participation, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A newspaper clipping describing desegregation and job opportunities in Mobile, Alabama. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Civil Rights Leader Cites Progress in Mobile, but Says 'It's No Utopia'", May 5, 1964
Date Created
1964-05-05
Description
A newspaper clipping describing desegregation and job opportunities in Mobile, Alabama. 1 page.
Subject
Race discrimination, African Americans--Segregation, African Americans--Employment
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Proposal from City Attorney George E. Glaze addressed to Donald P. Edwards containing College Park's submission for reconsideration in regard to the Justice Department's complaints of unfair annexations. The report contained the area's population, by race, of the prior districts, estimates of the area population, by race, of the annexed areas, population projections by 1980, by race of the proposed districts, information about racial bloc voting in the city, information about the public hearings and meetings that were held during the preparation of the proposed redistricting plan, and corrections and notations with respect to the city's submission and the Department of Justice's letter. 8 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
College Park Annexation Reconsideration Proposal, March 20, 1978
Date Created
1978-03-20
Description
Proposal from City Attorney George E. Glaze addressed to Donald P. Edwards containing College Park's submission for reconsideration in regard to the Justice Department's complaints of unfair annexations. The report contained the area's population, by race, of the prior districts, estimates of the area population, by race, of the annexed areas, population projections by 1980, by race of the proposed districts, information about racial bloc voting in the city, information about the public hearings and meetings that were held during the preparation of the proposed redistricting plan, and corrections and notations with respect to the city's submission and the Department of Justice's letter. 8 pages.
Subject
African American leadership, City planning, Race discrimination, Gerrymandering, African Americans--Civil rights, African American neighborhoods, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing the College Park City Council's consideration of new ward boundaries to comply with the Voting Rights Act. The council considered about 10 proposals, and opted to select a plan with at least one majority black ward. The council also considered reviewing a third proposal by a group of black citizens calling for two majority black wards. The council's decision was subject to Justice Department approval before any plan could be implemented. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"College Park Must Redraw Ward Lines", February 13, 1977
Date Created
1977-02-13
Description
Newspaper article describing the College Park City Council's consideration of new ward boundaries to comply with the Voting Rights Act. The council considered about 10 proposals, and opted to select a plan with at least one majority black ward. The council also considered reviewing a third proposal by a group of black citizens calling for two majority black wards. The council's decision was subject to Justice Department approval before any plan could be implemented. 1 page.
Subject
African American leadership, City planning, Race discrimination, Gerrymandering, African Americans--Civil rights, African American neighborhoods, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records