Boston Councilor Caught Politicking Inside Polling Place – Urgent Update

UPDATE: Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata faces allegations of violating state election laws after being captured on police body camera footage engaging with a voter inside a polling place. The incident occurred during early voting for the September 2025 preliminary election, raising urgent questions about her conduct and the legality of her actions.

The footage, released by the Boston Police Department following a public records request, shows Coletta Zapata in a heated exchange with a police officer who was instructing her to leave the polling location in East Boston. According to Massachusetts law, political activities, including campaigning, are strictly prohibited within 150 feet of voting sites during elections.

In the video recorded on August 30, Coletta Zapata asserts, “I’m having a conversation with a constituent right now, and I’m not campaigning.” However, the police officer responds, “You cannot have it within the voting area,” highlighting the strict enforcement of the state’s election laws as outlined by Secretary of State Bill Galvin.

The controversy unfolds days after Coletta Zapata claimed she secured the necessary votes to become the City Council president for the upcoming term. As chair of the influential Government Operations Committee, her position holds significant power in the city’s legislative processes.

In a statement to the press, Coletta Zapata described the encounter as a “misunderstanding,” insisting that her presence was not politically motivated. She stated, “I was speaking with a constituent after dropping off pizzas and an officer asked me to move along,” dismissing allegations that she was campaigning.

Legal experts are now weighing in on the implications of her actions. Civil liberties attorney Harvey Silverglate stated that her presence likely constitutes a violation of election law. “There’s an 80% chance she’s wrong,” Silverglate remarked, suggesting that should a complaint be filed, she could face penalties.

The Secretary of State’s office confirmed that no complaints regarding Coletta Zapata’s actions have been filed so far, but the situation remains fluid as questions about potential investigations loom. Councilor Ed Flynn commented on the incident, emphasizing the need for respect towards law enforcement but refraining from addressing the legal ramifications.

As the situation develops, all eyes are on Coletta Zapata, whose fate may hinge on the outcome of this controversy. If elected as Council president, she would serve as the second-highest ranking official in the city, directly under Mayor Michelle Wu.

This incident has sparked intense discussions among voters and fellow councilors, with many calling for clarity and accountability in light of the potential breach of election laws. With the election just around the corner, the implications of this incident could significantly impact her political career and the upcoming council dynamics.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the fallout from this incident continues to unfold.