A precinct worker for a particular candidate would go in to vote for himself but instead of putting his legal ballot in the ballot, he would put a blank piece of paper in. He then would take his legal ballot out to the grounds and find someone to vote. He would offer someone money to vote his way. Incumbents also had a unique way of buying votes. In some counties, election season is known as gravel season.
Many people get a fresh load of gravel for their driveways.
The general election is held in November. Many people look forward to this gravel because the winter mud is just around the corner. In addition to free gravel, county road equipment is loaned on a regular basis. Although the practice is illegal, county equipment is used for private purposes. When the polls close, the results are gathered from the voting machines and transported to the courthouse where the official count is done.