 They were held in jail on bench warrants, from August 14 until November 3, past voter registration day in the city.Because they were in jail, they were prevented from registering.But on November 2, some of the black men were released, if they could post a $1,000 bond, "with the understanding that they were to boost for [Fred] Mortimer," who was running for "the most important county office," State Attorney, in an election taking place the following day.