Boston Councilor Caught Politicking at Polling Place During Voting

BREAKING: Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata faces scrutiny after being caught on police body cam footage engaging with a voter inside a polling place, potentially violating Massachusetts law. This incident occurred during early voting for the September preliminary election on August 30, 2025.

Authorities confirm that Coletta Zapata was seen in a tense exchange with a Boston police officer who asked her to leave the polling location in East Boston. The footage was released on Friday by the Boston Police Department following a public records request, raising immediate concerns about election integrity.

Massachusetts law prohibits political activities within 150 feet of polling places during voting hours. This includes campaigning, which is strictly enforced by the presiding officer at the location. In the video, the councilor insists she was merely discussing policy with a constituent, stating, “I’m not campaigning. I’m having a conversation with a constituent right now.”

The officer firmly responded, “You cannot have it within the voting area,” highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Coletta Zapata, who is currently in a contested reelection bid, later stated that she viewed the interaction as a misunderstanding but did not clarify what her policy discussion entailed.

Legal experts weigh in, suggesting that her presence in the polling location likely constitutes a violation of state law. Harvey Silverglate, a constitutional and civil liberties attorney, noted, “It’s likely a violation… I don’t buy the defense, but it’s arguable.” He indicated that should a complaint be filed, the legal ramifications could be significant.

Despite the controversy, Coletta Zapata claimed she was not engaged in political activity at the time and provided a photo with the officer from a subsequent event to bolster her defense. “I thought we had a misunderstanding about my purpose there,” she said, stressing her respect for law enforcement.

As of now, the Secretary of State’s Office has not received any formal complaints regarding the incident, but officials have not ruled out the possibility of an investigation. The fallout from this incident could have serious implications for her upcoming role as City Council president, a position she claimed to have secured with the necessary votes.

If elected in January, Coletta Zapata would become the second-highest-ranking official in Boston, taking on significant responsibilities, including acting as mayor in the absence of Mayor Michelle Wu.

The implications of this event extend beyond Coletta Zapata’s political future; it raises broader questions about compliance with election laws and the integrity of the electoral process. As this story develops, public interest remains high, and further updates are anticipated.

Councilor Ed Flynn commented on the incident, emphasizing the need for respect between elected officials and police officers, but he refrained from addressing the potential legal violations directly.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds, and share your thoughts on social media about the ramifications of this incident on Boston’s political landscape.