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 newspaper clipping describing members of the Miles College Citizenship Project offering "free transportation and baby-sitter services" for all non-voters who need assistance. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Citizenship Team of Miles College Urges Registration", January 11, 1964
Date Created
1964-01-11
Description
A newspaper clipping describing members of the Miles College Citizenship Project offering "free transportation and baby-sitter services" for all non-voters who need assistance. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, African American civil rights workers, African American students, African American universities and colleges
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Article entitled "The Black Vote in Danger" by Vernon Jordan published in the Inner City Citizenship Education Project Newsletter. The article describes the expiration of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, its impact on Black Southern voters, and VEP's efforts to extend the Voting Rights Act. 8 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"The Black Vote in Danger", August 1969
Date Created
1969-08
Description
Article entitled "The Black Vote in Danger" by Vernon Jordan published in the Inner City Citizenship Education Project Newsletter. The article describes the expiration of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, its impact on Black Southern voters, and VEP's efforts to extend the Voting Rights Act. 8 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American civil rights workers, African Americans--Politics and government, Voting, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Voter Education Project is hosting a Contemporary Conference on Voting Rights Issues at Virginia Union College, which aims to increase Black voter registration and participation, examine the obstacles to achieving equal Black representation, and discuss strategies for elevating registration and increasing the level of sophistication and staying power of Black registered voters in the state of Virginia and the South. 4 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Press Release, November 23, 1983
Date Created
1983--11-23
Description
The Voter Education Project is hosting a Contemporary Conference on Voting Rights Issues at Virginia Union College, which aims to increase Black voter registration and participation, examine the obstacles to achieving equal Black representation, and discuss strategies for elevating registration and increasing the level of sophistication and staying power of Black registered voters in the state of Virginia and the South. 4 pages.
Subject
African American civil rights workers, Voter registration, Voting, African Americans--Civil rights, Political participation
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The 20th Anniversary Commemoration of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March was successful in generating community support and bringing attention to ongoing issues in voter registration and civil rights, with a delegation of Black leaders meeting with Alabama Governor George Wallace to discuss abolishing at-large election schemes, expanding job opportunities for Blacks, and the upcoming trial of the Perry County 3, while a survey conducted by the Black Women's Voter Project of VEP found that over 90% of Black women interviewed said they have seen the need to continue voter registration efforts because of the march. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Reflections on the Selma March and Plans for the Future", March 8, 1985
Date Created
1985--03-08
Description
The 20th Anniversary Commemoration of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March was successful in generating community support and bringing attention to ongoing issues in voter registration and civil rights, with a delegation of Black leaders meeting with Alabama Governor George Wallace to discuss abolishing at-large election schemes, expanding job opportunities for Blacks, and the upcoming trial of the Perry County 3, while a survey conducted by the Black Women's Voter Project of VEP found that over 90% of Black women interviewed said they have seen the need to continue voter registration efforts because of the march. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers, African American women
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The Atlanta-based Voter Education Project, led by Charles McCant, plans to challenge a county in federal court by January 14, 1984 in their effort to dismantle "one man governing boards" in Georgia that they deem undemocratic and Nazi-like, with a determination based on the Black voting age population in the targeted county and a focus on examining the racial composition of county boards of education during their tour of five counties from December 12-16. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"One Man County Boards Targeted for Lawsuit", December 8, 1983
Date Created
1983--12-08
Description
The Atlanta-based Voter Education Project, led by Charles McCant, plans to challenge a county in federal court by January 14, 1984 in their effort to dismantle "one man governing boards" in Georgia that they deem undemocratic and Nazi-like, with a determination based on the Black voting age population in the targeted county and a focus on examining the racial composition of county boards of education during their tour of five counties from December 12-16. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government, African American civil rights workers, Race discrimination
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Brochure from National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) New York chapter highlighting Black people who died for the right vote. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Ballots, Bullet, and Blood: How Blacks Have Died for the Right to Vote", circa 1970
Date Created
1968/1972
Description
Brochure from National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) New York chapter highlighting Black people who died for the right vote. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American civil rights workers, African American leadership, Political posters, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Report on the "Great Equalizer" campaign, conducted by the Voter Education Project, was a successful public service media effort aimed at encouraging voter registration and participation in the 1976 elections, with high acceptance and usage rates among broadcast stations, reaching millions of viewers and listeners, and potentially contributing to increased voter turnout in the South, as indicated by higher registration figures compared to previous years. 13 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"An Evaluation of the Voter Education Projects Great Equalizer Campaign", 1976
Date Created
1976
Description
Report on the "Great Equalizer" campaign, conducted by the Voter Education Project, was a successful public service media effort aimed at encouraging voter registration and participation in the 1976 elections, with high acceptance and usage rates among broadcast stations, reaching millions of viewers and listeners, and potentially contributing to increased voter turnout in the South, as indicated by higher registration figures compared to previous years. 13 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Employee manual of the VEP describing organizational structure, employment, salaries, etc. 24 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Employee Manual, 1985
Date Created
1985
Description
Employee manual of the VEP describing organizational structure, employment, salaries, etc. 24 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Employment, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Report on the background of the VEP, the need for voter registration, technical assistance for minority elected and appointed officials, the need for citizenship education programs, and leadership development programs. 16 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Field Foundation Discussion Paper", 1974
Date Created
1974
Description
Report on the background of the VEP, the need for voter registration, technical assistance for minority elected and appointed officials, the need for citizenship education programs, and leadership development programs. 16 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Flyer for a voter rally featuring John Lewis and Hosea Williams in Selma Alabama, along with a VEP request for payment form. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voter Rally, John Lewis and Hosea Williams", 1974
Date Created
1974
Description
Flyer for a voter rally featuring John Lewis and Hosea Williams in Selma Alabama, along with a VEP request for payment form. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Political posters, Voter registration, Voting, African American civil rights workers, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Flyer and memo advertising a meeting with Coretta King, Julian Bond, and John Lewis, as well as a chartered bus service to Selma, Alabama for the 10th anniversary of commemoration of "Bloody Sunday". 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voting Rights Rally and March", 1975
Date Created
1975
Description
Flyer and memo advertising a meeting with Coretta King, Julian Bond, and John Lewis, as well as a chartered bus service to Selma, Alabama for the 10th anniversary of commemoration of "Bloody Sunday". 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Political posters, Voter registration, Voting, African American civil rights workers, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"How to Conduct a Registration Campaign" created by VEP intern and Spelman College sophomore Patricia Collins working in the office of Mayor Irving Allen. 24 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"How to Conduct a Registration Campaign", 1967
Date Created
1967
Author
Collins, Patricia
Description
"How to Conduct a Registration Campaign" created by VEP intern and Spelman College sophomore Patricia Collins working in the office of Mayor Irving Allen. 24 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civil rights workers, Voter registration, Voting, African Americans--Civil rights, Political participation, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A brief history of the VEP, with a plan and objections for the program in 1986. 11 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Introduction of the VEP, With Plan for 1986
Date Created
1985/1988
Description
A brief history of the VEP, with a plan and objections for the program in 1986. 11 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
Booklet describing the VEP Information Service and how it collects, stores, and disseminates data and statistics to electorate and news organizations. Includes evaluation and reporting forms. 35 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Information Service Handbook, 1974
Date Created
1974
Description
Booklet describing the VEP Information Service and how it collects, stores, and disseminates data and statistics to electorate and news organizations. Includes evaluation and reporting forms. 35 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
Newsletter reporting on the status of student interns working on projects throughout eleven states. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Summer Student Project", June 13, 1968
Date Created
1968-06-13
Description
Newsletter reporting on the status of student interns working on projects throughout eleven states. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Vol.II, No.2, includes anecdotes from student interns on their day to day life experiences. 11 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"The VEP Intern News", July 1969
Date Created
1969-07
Description
Vol.II, No.2, includes anecdotes from student interns on their day to day life experiences. 11 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A short history of the VEP and explanation of how it would spend contributions to advance the minority vote. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"What is the Voter Education Project?", circa 1970
Date Created
1968/1972
Description
A short history of the VEP and explanation of how it would spend contributions to advance the minority vote. 3 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
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
A brief history of the VEP, with a plan, goals and budget for the program. 11 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Introduction of the VEP with Budget Report, circa 1985
Date Created
1984/1987
Description
A brief history of the VEP, with a plan, goals and budget for the program. 11 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
VEP research department essay by Brian Sherman, Ph.D. and K. Farouk Brimah on the increase of participation in voting by the Black population in the South, listing states and percentages. 16 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Increase and Impact: Black Participation in Southern Electoral Politics During the First Half of 1984", July
Date Created
1984-07-25
Author
Sherman, Brian, Brimah, K. Farouk
Description
VEP research department essay by Brian Sherman, Ph.D. and K. Farouk Brimah on the increase of participation in voting by the Black population in the South, listing states and percentages. 16 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