The City Boss would promise housing , courts, jobs, and citizenship to the political workers under him.
He would hand down the ability to deliver them to the Ward bosses
if you vote for me I'll give you free housing and many manufacturing jobs! including cheap labor!
Reporting to the Ward Boss would be the Block Captains who would gather all the voters to elections, giving direct contact to them. Once promises were made, the voters would be sure to vote for the candidate.
Step right up to vote! He will take care of your needs!
If the candidate has won the election, picked by the city boss, this will ensure the city boss's power and will keep their control of political affairs in the city.
Political Machines took advantage of immigrants and struggling businesses. They took advantage of the struggling immigrants and would promise housing and jobs. Which were all broken promises.
Even though this was popular in the 1800s, There are still manipulative politicians willing to get your votes till this day. It's best to ignore them. They could be anyone